Systems Thinking

I hope you have enjoyed the videos and are finding the links and book recommendations worthwhile. This is the second video in our series on Introduction to Corporate Responsibility and we will be looking at systems. In the video, I pose a lot of questions to get you thinking about the current consumer based model of our economy. This is an important topic, especially in the Intro series, because we know that our global economy is essentially measured by consumer spending. This metric is a good tool for tracking economic growth, but the linear consumption system we have in place is a cause for concern.

We really need to redesign our system in a way that is conscious of natural resources and accounts for the growing population and increased consumption. Examples have shown that there is real business value to changing current systems and incorporating cradle to cradle design. Organizations like Interface, CertainTeed and Unilever have not only seen reduced impacts, but have increased profits by developing new solutions to this problem.

As we continue through the Intro series, we will identify tools and practices that will help us move toward this goal. Along with the video, I recommend checking out a few of the links provided below. 


 – Tad Radzinski, PE, LEED AP, SFP

Links:

Unsustainable Economics
Resource Depletion: Opportunity or Looming Catastrophe?

Green Waste Recycling Statistics

GA Recycling Conference Recap

Last week, I was the closing speaker at the Georgia Recycling Coalition Annual Conference. As always, it’s great to connect with like-minded people and organizations that are doing great things in the sustainability space. Look for the next video in our Introduction to Corporate Responsibility series tomorrow.

 – Tad Radzinski, PE, LEED AP, SFP

What I'm Reading

Hi, everyone. I wanted to pass along a few books that I highly recommend for anyone involved in or looking at getting into the sustainability field. These books cover some great topics and are a good resource for furthering your understanding of Corporate Responsibility.

Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn

An awesome book; one of the best I’ve ever read. It really got me motivated on the path to sustainability. A good read that is very thought-provoking.

Greener Products: TheMaking and Marketing of Sustainable Brands, by Al Iannuzzi

One that I often recommend to my students at Villanova, Al’s book demonstrates the business case for sustainability, specifically relating to products. An excellent resource that examines the market drivers and growing demand for greener products, as well as the rewards for companies that are making strides in sustainable product markets.

The Ecology of Commerce, by Paul Hawken

A classic. Looks at the need for integrating sustainability into corporate culture. A really good case for environmental awareness and future viability of businesses.

 – Tad Radzinski, PE, LEED AP, SFP

Welcome!

Welcome to the first edition of my new blog on Corporate Responsibility. My name is Tad Radzinski, and my passion is using the power of business to help shift our society to a more sustainable economy. I have worked in the environmental space for 30 years, but I really got into corporate sustainability in 1998 when I met Ray Anderson for the first time. After meeting Ray and seeing the potential of corporate responsibility – not only to preserve the environment, but as a viable business strategy, I dove in headfirst. I read every book I possibly could, and then started my consulting company in 2001. Since then, we have helped hundreds of organizations implement sustainability to advance their business and reduce environmental and social impacts.

Throughout my career, I have been continually thinking about how we can change our current system where everything is based on consumption. There are many companies out there making great strides, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Working in the sustainability arena is very rewarding and I highly recommend getting involved.

I started this blog because I want to share my insight with you to help you advance sustainable principles in your organization. The first few weeks, I will cover a basic introduction to Corporate Responsibility to set the stage before diving into specific topics in depth.

Each week, I will release a new video in each series, along with links to articles and other sources of valuable information. Please comment or contact me so I can address your questions and topics of interest. I hope you find the information helpful and join me in the mission to effect change through Corporate Responsibility.

 – Tad Radzinski, PE, LEED AP, SFP

Links:

Sustainability Resources: Sustainable Brands, Triple Pundit, GreenBiz, 3BL Media, SmartBrief on Sustainability, GreenManufacturer, CSR wire

Good Article on CSR: Six Growing Trends in Corporate Sustainability

White Papers on Corporate Responsibility:
http://sustainablesolutionscorporation.com/papers.html

Learn more about me: www.tadradzinski.com

Social Links: LinkedIn, Twitter