[Futurework] web discoveries

[Karen Watters Cole]

The Globalist: For global citizens. By global citizens. @ http://www.theglobalist.com/ From its mission statement: Our core editorial belief is that now more than ever, people everywhere are seeking a better understanding of what connects — and divides — nations and societies, economies and cultures.   Through cross-country comparisons, our features provide the key to understanding our common future. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Natural Step announces the release of a new book titled:  Ants, Galileo, and Gandhi: Designing the Future of Business through Nature, Genius, and Compassion. This collection, edited by Sissel Waage (Director of Research at The Natural Step), examines the emergence of 21st-century enterprises that recognize their reliance on broad social and ecological systems (ants), incorporate sparks of genius rooted in rigorous analyses (Galileo), and acknowledge the importance of compassion and determination within any endeavor (Gandhi). “At a time of diminishing natural resources and heightened public sensitivity about the environment and fair labor, leading corporations are beginning to take a more sustainable approach to their business practices. A new book, Ants, Galileo, and Gandhi: Designing the Future of Business through Nature, Genius and Compassion, edited by Sissel Waage, explores how a number of companies, including Hewlett Packard, Norm Thompson Outfitters, Interface, and Verdant Power (up-and-coming sustainable energy company), are triggering innovation while ensuring future prosperity for people and the planet. For example, Hewlett Packard is investing in dematerialization initiatives across a range of business activities and products. The benefits include material and energy savings, as well as economic value added to both consumers and Hewlett Packard. The book also highlights financial services sector cases—including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and Shorebank Enterprise Pacific—that demonstrate how sustainability issues are being integrated into investment screens. As a set, the span of work presented reveals that a fundamental re-design of businesses is emerging across sectors within the economy.”  (http://www.naturalstep.org/newsroom/news_101403.php) About The Natural Step: Since 1989, The Natural Step has been guiding companies and governments onto an ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable path. An international advisory and research organization, The Natural Step works with some of the largest resource users on the planet to create new models of sustainable enterprise and tools designed to accelerate global sustainability. For more information: www.naturalstep.org >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>