Readings and Resources
for use by TNS-Business study circle participants
Required Reading
A copy of the book, "The Natural Step for Business: Wealth, Ecology and the Evolutionary Corporation" by Brian Nattrass and Mary Altomare must be acquired through the public library system, from local bookstores, or from Sustain Door, Inc. Proceeds from the sale of the book through Sustain Door, are used to support the educational and outreach activities of this 501c3 organization.
Optional Reading
The World Without Us by Alan Weisman (2008)
The Transition Handbook: From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience by Rob Hopkins (2008)
Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Social Movement in History Is Restoring Grace, Justice, and Beauty to the World by Paul Hawken (2007)
Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, Inc. (2006) "Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis" –Patagonia's Mission Statement.
Worldchanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century by Alex Steffen (2006)
Sustainability Revolution: Portrait of a Paradigm Shift by Andres R. Edwards (2005)
The Natural Step for Communities: How Cities and Towns can Change to Sustainable Practices by Sarah James and Torbjörn Lahti (2004)
How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas by David Bornstein (2003)
The Natural Step Story: Seeding a Quiet Revolution by Karl Henrik-Robert (2002)
Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine M. Benyus (2002)
Dancing with the Tiger: Learning Sustainability Step by Natural Step by Brian Nattrass & Mary Altomare (2002)
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough (2001)
Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, and L. Hunter Lovins. (1999)
The Natural Step for Business: Wealth, Ecology and the Evolutionary Corporation by Brian Nattrass and Mary Altomare (1999)
Our Ecological Footprint: Reducing Human Impact on the Earth by Mathis Wackernagel (1996)
The Ecology of Commerce : A Declaration of Sustainability by Paul Hawken (1994)
Focus on Energy (www.focusonenergy.com) works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas.
Midwest Renewable Energy Association (www.the_mrea.org) promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstrations. Hosts an annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair in mid June each year.
The Rocky Mountain Institute website (www.RMI.org) features information for businesses, communities and government about how to create wealth without harming the environment.
The Natural Step website (www.NaturalStep.org) features information for government, business, academia, media and general interest visitors including case studies, articles and event listings.
Travel Green Wisconsin (www.travelgreenwisconsin.com) Travel Green Wisconsin is a voluntary, affordable program that reviews, certifies, and recognizes tourism businesses that have made a commitment to continuously improve their operations in order to reduce their environmental impact. This program allows tourism businesses to evaluate their operations, set goals, and take specific actions towards environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Wisconsin Environmental Initiative (www.wi-ei.org) works to improve Wisconsin's environment, economy, and quality of life through educational initiatives and the advancement of best practices in the areas of business strategy, environmental policy, green building, agriculture, and land use.