Business Solutions to Social and Environmental Problems
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone... or something like that. I'm not a fan of organized religion so of course I've likely bungled the quote, but I think there are a few concepts we can take from it into our daily lives that would make the world a better place. This is one of them. In that spirit, I want to be clear that I acknowledge (and often think about) my own shortcomings in the realm of sustainability. I'm not trying to tell anyone else how to live, just sharing my experience and thoughts:
Like most Americans, I use too much of the world's resources. I do not eat a plant-based diet. I do, however, eat very little red meat. I also drink a lot of coffee, the embodied resources of which are wildly unsustainable; 1,000 drops of water are required to deliver every drop of coffee we drink. Think about that the next time you pour a cup down the sink -- imagine sloshing a full drum of water (55 gallons - actually 62.5) down the drain. I'm a fan of Trader Joe's fair trade organic beans - great value and at least in theory better than conventional beans with more justice through the supply chain.
I also try to offset some of my negative impacts (flying is another environmental vice of mine) with positive contributions to the world. One example I'd encourage you to explore is Kiva.org - a great microfinance site that does not pay me anything to say it. They help me make a better return on my investment than the stock market has and I'm making directed contributions to empower women smallholders - learn more about that in the Drawdown card; microfinance can be a great lever to improve the world!
- X-Lint wins 2011 Net Impact Wal Mart pitch contest by unanimous vote
- X-Lint wins CU New Venture Challenge Pitch Night
Sponsor-A-Bee :: Gyre Sticker :: XPrize for DWH Oil Spill Cleanup
deforestation Watch 18 railroad cars full of trees roll over a tranquil river in the pacific northwest. Food for thought.