Comments on: Is Greening Your Business A Distraction?

By: Getting Green Done: an Interview with Auden Schendler : Ecopreneurist

Getting Green Done: an Interview with Auden Schendler : Ecopreneurist — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:59:07 +0000

[...] refreshingly realistic and pragmatic, Auden Schendler, Director of Sustainability for Aspen Ski Company has written a new, provocative new book. The [...]

By: CJ

CJ — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:20:00 +0000

Look forward to reading your book. I offer my 2 cents on small business activism in public policy given a recent project in Tampa, FL. Local and state policy and political networking IS REALLY IMPORTANT. CEOs of businesses in mid-size cities can easily get access and should set up meetings with their mayor and city council members to talk about your business, customers, the issues your company/product solves, and how this supports/improves the community. Politicians listen because you represent jobs, tax revenue, and potential campaign contributer. Have one of your staff monitor city council meetings, public hearings, major city projects(i.e. riverfront restoration) and contracts that relate to your business. Go to those hearings, select an issue and participate in workshops/lend your expertise. The goodwill, referrals, PR is beneficial and increases potential for sales!

By: What Can You Do To Green The Country? : Ecopreneurist

What Can You Do To Green The Country? : Ecopreneurist — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:12:08 +0000

[...] inaugurations past. In particular, John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Inaugural Address. That, along with meeting Auden Schendler Executive Director of Sustainability at Aspen Ski Company a few weeks ago, got me thinking about my [...]

By: Is Greening Your Business A Distraction? | The Green TKR

Is Greening Your Business A Distraction? | The Green TKR — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:37:11 +0000

[...] Read more of this story » [...]

By: Brando

Brando — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:59:55 +0000

I think every little bit of “Green” initiative you take is a positive step in the right direction. It is nice to think of the bigger picture and higher order needs as well. Thanks for the thoughtful post. I can’t wait to check out your book! Green on!!

By: Jennifer Kaplan

Jennifer Kaplan — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:42:32 +0000

Thanks, John. I’m going to check pout your book!

By: John Ehrenfeld

John Ehrenfeld — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:15:56 +0000

Jennifer,

Don’t get too discouraged. Finish your book. Greening business is important. Every step, big or little, to reduce unsustainability should always be taken. But Schendler is correct in warning that such actions should not turn attention away from the bigger issues. Here I differ. The bigger issue is not policy or advocacy. It is to realize that reducing unsustainability doesn’t produce the flourishing world we all seek. What companies need to do is to rethink what they offer to the market in terms of taking care of people, which is much more than satisfying their needs. If you want to find a new message for business, take a look at my book, Sustainability by Design: A Subversive Strategy for Transforming our Consumer Culture,