By: HitHard17

HitHard17 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:29:23 +0000

The idea that we can maintain and even extend to the developing world our lavish standard of living by simply re-designing the way products are made is inherently flawed. While the anecotal projects cited in the book are noteworthy, try extending such good practices to industries like steel production, cement manufacturing, surface mining, industrial chemicals, biotechnology…the list goes on and on.
The real problem is the embrace of a system hell-bent on WEALTH CREATION, individualism and perpetual growth on a planet with finite resources. Even if every tenant of the philosphy of natural capitalism were fully implemented, the economic growth would eventually overcome any incremental efficiencies per unit of growth. After all, the sky cares not about efficiency, but simply the aggregate amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. The forests care not how many homes are build more efficiently with less wood per dwelling, but for the number of trees still standing and the services the complexity of natural systems provide. Until we acknowledge the sickness inherent to the system itself (which is highly unlikely) we will simply delay the inevitable collapse of natural systems by a decade or two, leaving a world in shambles for subsequent generations to inhabit. Gee, thanks Paul, Amory and Hunter!

By: jeffreymelton

jeffreymelton — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:08:30 +0000

‘Natural Capitalism’ is indeed a timeless and essential(monster of a) book. Each of the four strategies on their own are a trove of ideas and opportunities. I felt like I had read four books by the end of it! To me, it’s like a trunk which numerous other books branch out from — e.g. ‘Mid-Course Correction’ by Anderson, ‘Biomimicry’ by Benyus, ‘The Ecology of Commerce’ by Hawken, ‘Cradle to Cradle’ and so on. Of special interest to me was the chapter about Curitiba, Brasil’s urban planning and rapid development. Cheers,

Comments on: Book Review: Natural Capitalism

By: HitHard17

By: jeffreymelton