In Business, Creating Sustainable Enterprises & Communities

GOOD GREEN READS

In Business, March-April, Vol. 29, No. 2, p. 30

ECOSTYLE

Delia Montgomery

WE ALL KNOW that organic foods set the pace for sustainable products to flourish. Less than one year ago, WalMart revealed their organic food stocking intentions. Food giants sold, bought and merged into the organic market, and continue to do so.
The big news for nonperishable merchandise is that giant retailer Pottery Barn recently jumped on the green wave. They introduced a few organic staples to their kid's line early this year. Meanwhile ABC Home stores continue to expand their inventory of eco products since company President Paulette Cole took the reign.
So if big biz is diving into the sustainable market, where does that leave small businesses? Well, whether you are swimming in green career inspirations or contemplating, the tool for insight is reading. From agriculture to art, I hope these book reports stir enthusiasm for entrepreneurs and passionate workers everywhere.
Starting with agriculture, author Frank Eyhorn recently published Organic Farming For Sustainable Livelihoods In Developing Countries? The case of cotton in India. It's all about how organic farming can be increasingly used for improving livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Lessons from organic cotton projects in Asia and Africa help analyze the socioeconomic impact of organic farming in a developing country. The research builds on a conceptual frame that allows investigating rural livelihoods in a holistic and interdisciplinary way. The book not only addresses scientists in the fields of rural development and tropical farming systems, but also provides recommendations for practitioners and policy makers.
Sue Stolton is a freelance environmental consultant and author of Organic Cotton: From Field to Final Product. The book is rich with details of successes, difficulties and challenges. The topic is organic cotton, yet it also tells a wider and vitally important story about how agriculture can become more sustainable while making significant improvements to people's lives.
Moving on to development and building is Ecodesign: A Manual for Ecological Design. Long-acclaimed architectural author Ken Yeang provides designers with a comprehensive set of approach strategies. He's analyzed to the hilt and researched innovative materials to share with readers. Ken believes that saving the environment from continued devastation by our built environment is the single most important issue for our tomorrow. The focus is to incorporate green ideas with low ecological consequences into working practices. Sound familiar?
Ecominded decorators and creative green builders will love The Natural Paint Book and The Natural Plaster Book: Earth, Lime, and Gypsum Plasters for Natural Homes. Learn how to make all-natural paints and finishes at home, using readily available ingredients such as clay, gelatin, linseed oil, and pigments. Included is a guide of techniques and effects with simple tools like sponges, rollers or newspaper. For Natural Plaster readers, the book is useful to individuals who decide to build their own home as well as to professionals. Enjoy lots of illustrations with a resource guide of related books, magazines, and videos as well as recommended builders and plaster suppliers.
Natural materials for fashion garments are on the rise and The Natural Knitter: How to Choose, Use, and Knit Natural Fibers from Alpaca to Yak is just the ticket. Seasoned writer and knit designer Barbara Albright offers thorough insight to the natural fiber industry as well as a beautiful palette of patterns, such as sweaters and ponchos, from contributing designers. Learn about the characteristics of yarns produced from the fibers of llamas, sheep, cashmere goats, and angora rabbits, in addition to cotton, hemp, linen, and silk. Unique processes, including botanical dye instructions, keep the focus on nontoxic and earth-friendly production.
Meet Dorothy Spencer, author of Found Object Art. She happens to be the creator of a home furnishings company with products made from recycled materials. Nothing like an art book to stimulate creative juices that inspire readers to transform trash into fascinating sculptures, collages, furniture, jewelry, and clothing. Included with hundreds of pictures are dumpster-diving, garbage-picking artist profiles.
Sustainable lifestyles are indeed evolving from healthy eating to home and body products. These books prove that environmentalism can enhance human creativity. Welcome aboard the sustainable living revolution.

Delia Montgomery is an environmental design consultant and eco shopper for home, body and garden products. She is author of the “Chic Eco Materials Directory” 2007 Edition. Questions or comments are welcome. Visit www.ChicEco.com or e-mail Info@ChicEco.com.

RESOURCES

Organic Farming For Sustainable Livelihoods In Developing Countries?
ISBN 978-3-7281-3111-9

Organic Cotton: From Field To Final Product
ISBN 978-1853394645

Ecodesign: A Manual For Ecological Design
ISBN 978-0470852910

The Natural Paint Book
ISBN 978-0875969145

The Natural Plaster Book: Earth, Lime, And Gypsum Plasters For Natural Homes
ISBN 978-0865714496

The Natural Knitter: How To Choose, Use, And Knit Natural Fibers From Alpaca To Yak
ISBN 978-1400053520

Found Object Art
ISBN 978-0764314377