I have read many books on the subject of sustainable business, and there are many more that are on my “to-do list.” Nevertheless, here are my top 5 favorite books on sustainable business in no particular order:
1) Let My People Go Surfing – Yvon Chouinard
This is the story of the clothing company, Patagonia. It is written by their founder, Yvon Chouinard, and details their journey to becoming one of the most responsible and sustainable businesses on the planet. If you are in the outdoor industry, this is a must-read.
2) The Ecology of Commerce – Paul Hawken
A wonderful read that addresses the challenges the planet is facing regarding adapting to climate change and practical solutions to avoid catastrophic outcomes.
3) The Triple Bottom Line – Andrew W. Savitz with Karl Weber
The triple bottom line includes not only economic bottom line, but also environmental and social bottom lines, also known as People, Planet, Profit. If you are new to sustainable business, this is an excellent primer for explaining the triple bottom line with examples of companies implementing a triple bottom line approach.
4) The NEW Sustainability Advantage – Bob Willard
Fantastic book on the real business case for sustainability with great examples explained in simple business language. The NEW Sustainability Advantage is for anyone looking to better understand sustainability, or for those looking to make an impact in their organization and need to be able to make the business case. Great read!
5) Start Something That Matters – Blake Mycoskie
An inspiring read from the founder of Tom’s shoes and wonderful example of a purpose-driven brand. Good read for anyone starting a business, as well as current business owners looking to become more purpose-driven in their mission.