Book Review: Ecological Intelligence

Daniel Goleman’s the author of Emotional Intelligence has written his new book called Ecological Intelligence. He discusses how consumers can change the world through their ‘ecological intelligence’ by making environmentally and socially conscious purchasing decisions. He reviews various sites such as Good Guide and Skin Deep that help educate consumers about the products we purchase. Not only which products are good for us but products that are good for the environment and made sustainably. He also discusses ‘radical transparency’ which encourages companies to disclose their products contents and manufacturing practises.  A good book for someone who is new to the ‘green’ movement.

Daniel Goleman did a 20 minute interview with Bill Moyers that provides a nice overview of his book.

Think Before You Buy that Water Bottle

Bottled water is creating a mess…literally. Eight of 10 water bottles become landfill waste.  We think we are drinking ‘pure’ water but all the studies are showing it may not be any healthier for you than regular ole’ tap water.  With over 90% of the cost of water in the bottle, lid and label are we paying for great water or a great bottle? And if we are paying for a bottle, is it worth it? It takes over 1.5 million barrels of oil to manufacture a years supply of bottled water. That is enough oil to fuel 100,00 cars.

So instead of buying bottled water consider these two options:

1. Purchase a water filter in your home or office
2. Purchase a reusable water bottle like Kleen Kanteen and SIGG

Do you have other ideas to minimize water bottle use?

What is Sustainability?

There are a lot of definitions of ‘sustainability’ created by individuals, groups and organizations. Depending on how you use ‘sustainability’, it can have a variety of contextual meanings. To date, the sustainability industry itself has yet to settle on one definition.  There are common themes expressed in the multiple definitions – about our resources and the environment, and maintaining their equity and balance for future generations.   Businesses sometimes use the term “triple bottom line” to define sustainability in terms of increasing profits, improving the planet and improving people’s lives.  Peter Senge of MIT talks in a recent article about how sustainability is not a useful word and sometimes motivates by fear. I believe that defining ‘sustainability’ is still worthy of a good conversation and debate.   It is important for individuals and organizations to discover and explore for themselves the meaning of ‘sustainability’ and its effect on their lifestyle and business operations.  I invite you to share your own definition of sustainability.