The Ecology Of Commerce By Environmentalist Paul Hawken

Part I: Introduction The Ecology of Commerce, written by Environmentalist Paul Hawken, is an insightful, although daunting, look into economic and corporate sustainability. â€Å" The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces, or at least not try to defy them†. This quote, spoken by Paul Hawken himself, is a perfect demonstration of the major theme he carefully analyzes within the book. Economics and the environment are two words that you often don’t see in the same sentence, despite the fact that the influence economics has contributes to the deterioration of our environment gravely. Part II: Background and Thesis Paul Hawken studies the many faults of the economic practices we adhere to globally. Whether or not we agree with his beliefs is a decision we as readers need to make. While an understanding of the environmental impacts is evident, as well as the biological changes it has put forth on humans, I question if individual change really makes a difference to the environment and the overall way the economy works. Hawken demonstrates a clear explanation to back up his statement of absolute resource destruction, but I believe he underestimates the change that may need to be done. I strongly believe we have reached a point in time where individual change is inadmissible, and in order to save our planet, large corporations and their accountability should be questioned. A world without sustainability, or more importantly a world without economic integrity,