Wow, we have work to do...

Since I was a kid, I've had an appreciation for nature- just oblivious to what that meant.  Looking back, my first encounter of being enthralled in something other than sports, dates to a seventh grade water conservation project.  Strangely, I was engaged and fascinated with a homework assignment- it was different- it was interesting.- it consumed all my attention- and most notably, I found it important.  Well, if this is the case, why didn't you become an environmental engineer?  Great question. Simple answer- mom tried, but my college years were spent with an under-developed frontal lobe. Studying and planning my future were not on the priority list.  

Point of this post is to introduce an intriguing, progressive, and relevant book.  Paul Hawken's Ecology of Commerce highlights our dilemmas with environmental epidemiologies, deforestation, carrying capacities, specie extinction, waste, toxic chemicals, and a close-minded business-as-usual attitude.  A few book facts regarding the nexus of human activity and the environment: 

• 97% of North American ancient forests are decimated.
  
• Globally we lose 25 billion tons of fertile soil and 27,000 species a year 
  
• Over 500,000 tropical forest trees are chopped every hour (most bio-diverse areas- hosting potential medicines, fuels, oils, and pollinators)
• Over 4.1 billion pounds of pesticides are released into the natural environment annually- responsible for over $1 trillion clean up tab for the taxpayer.
  

WHAT?? Surely, this is a joke... 'fraid not... but let's not dwell on the negative.

Hawken's underlying thesis outlines potential solutions and opportunities to correct our self inflicted mess- fittingly titled, the restorative economy.  It is not meant to point blame or ruffle any feathers.  Instead, the focused takeaway is a clearly defined plan to create awareness, make adjustments, and implement changes.  Do yourself a favor- read this book.  Who knows?- you might learn a thing or two.  And remember- we are all dependent on nature.  

Be Authentic.

- Sterling