Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution by Paul Hawken

“Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution” is a groundbreaking book by environmentalist Paul Hawken that addresses the pressing need to transition to a sustainable economy. Hawken argues that corporations have a responsibility to society to become more efficient and productive in order to protect and conserve the global environment. By doing so, corporations can achieve a threefold goal: profit maximization, social justice, and environmental stewardship.

Hawken begins by discussing the industrial revolution and its damaging impacts on the environment. The industrial revolution caused global pollution, resource depletion, and extinction of species, leaving us with an economic system that is both unsustainable and unequal. Hawken explains that in order to move forward, we must develop a new economic system based on ecology and sustainability.

Hawken then outlines the principles of this new economic system, which he calls “natural capitalism.” This system relies on the efficient use of renewable natural resources, instead of finite and non-renewable resources. It also promotes a “cradle to cradle” production process, where production resources are reused and recycled instead of simply discarded. Additionally, natural capitalism calls for organizations to recognize the “true costs” of production, which includes environmental damage, as well as costs associated with labor, capital, and resources.

Hawken also encourages corporations to consider their social responsibility to society as more than just a cost burden. While profit maximization is expected, organizations must also consider the social and environmental impacts of their actions. Hawken says that corporations should be guided by a triple bottom line: profit, people, and planet.

In the last section of the book, Hawken discusses the practical steps needed to transition to natural capitalism. This includes changes in the way energy is used, in the application of green engineering techniques, and in the promotion of corporate social responsibility. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of natural capital, as well as democracy and stakeholder participation.

In short, “Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution” is a powerful and inspiring book that provides a blueprint for transitioning to a sustainable economy. Hawken’s vision of natural capitalism is a revolutionary shift away from the traditional economic systems of the past, and towards a more profitable, equitable, and sustainable future.