Greentailing: the books of change

By Justin Doak
October 12, 2010
From DDIOnline


If you’re like me, when fall comes around, it’s back to the books.  Ever since Rachel Carson’s classic release of “Silent Spring” in 1962, the environmental movement has continued to build momentum—birthing new thought leaders and innovations in 
sustainability. With this movement comes some provocative books, many of which have been the root of change for many of the sustainability icons in the industry today.  

If you are looking to enhance your sustainability knowledge or are ready to take a dive into some books that might change the way you think, just as they did for me, I’m here to make your search easy.  

I’ve created a list of the sustainability classics, as well as some of the more recent titles that are retail-focused, capturing best practices in our industry over the past few years.

As you travel home this fall, bear the cold or watch the first snow, hunker down with one of these in book, nook or iPad form. Enjoy!

Classic books that have shaped the sustainability movement:

“Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson, 1962 (Read online)
(Amazon link)

“The Ecology of Commerce: A Declaration of Sustainability” by Paul Hawken, 1994

“Mid-Course Correction - Toward a Sustainable Enterprise: The Interface Model” by Ray C. Anderson, 1999

“Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature” by Janine M. Benyus, 2002

“Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things” by William McDonough and Michael Braungart, 2002

“Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution” by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, L. Hunter Lovins, 2008

“Confessions of a Radical Industrialist: Profits, People, Purpose—Doing Business by Respecting the Earth” by Ray C. Anderson, 2009
 
Retail- and business-focused sustainability books:

“The Next Sustainability Wave: Building Boardroom Buy-in” by Bob Willard, 2005

“The Retail Green Agenda: Sustainable Practices for Retailers and Shopping Centers” by Rudolph E. Milian, 2008

“Sustainable Retail Development: New Success Strategies” by Jerry Yudelson, 2009

Cheers,

Justin Doak
Founder, Ecoxera – Green Business Strategy for Retail
Send green retail questions to justindoak@ecoxera.com.