Recommended Reading

There is a lot of great information and perspective out there. Below are some examples of great places to start to build a knowledge base of not only what is possible, but craft a way of thinking that addresses the issue in new ways.

31sbsdx29sl_sl160_ Natural Capitalism – by Paul Hawken

Though a decade ago, the visionary thinking within are no less relevant today. If anything, we are only more equipped to enact these goals and ideas now. The book addresses the common misconception that sustainability has grown out of group that fights against the free market economy or that “greenies” are lobbying for a communist, or even anarchistic, lifestyle that rejects Corporate America. Simply put: that America as we know it cannot be a sustainable country. I think that this book debunks that theory and shows innovative mindsets that depict how capitalism and environmentalism are not at odds with one another, but rather could feed off each other’s success.

41ph8hy2ggl_sl160_ Biomimicry – by Janine M. Benyus

Benyus reveals a reality that despite how technologically advanced we become as a race, nature still has us beat by a long shot. This book highlights examples of where emulating nature’s constructs or social organizations can drastically improve our success and efficiency in countless ways. Is it that hard to believe? Humans have been at this for some millenniums but the natural world has been perfecting itself for millions of years. The contents are surprising and inspiring .

 

blessed-unrest Blessed Unrest – by Paul Hawken

Hawken’s most recent work, Blessed Unrest probes at how the environmental movement is in fact the largest movement humanity has undertaken thus far in our existence. Its growth has been slow in coming, differentiating itself from other movements in the past and within the balance it provides key to our race’s survival on this planet. The book touches on politics and social structures that touch every corner of the globe. It is an inspiring read that–for a change–paints a positive image of the future.

biophiliaBiophilia – by E.O. Wilson

A little-known classic, this book marks the creation of E.O. Wilson’s exploration into nature’s link to humanity that continues today and emerges into the design of buildings, cities and businesses. Biophilia is an inherent link between humanity and nature, arguing that we hold hereditary affections for natural occurrences that bring us content. Why do we like street trees? Why is dappled light through a forest canopy more pleasing then sun beating down unbroken? These pages outline an hypothesis that searches for answers. An understanding of Biophilia brings the realization that it is present in every aspect of our lives and the applications for harnessing it are limitless.