10 Sustainability Movements Driving Us into the Future and the New Regenerative Economy
Despite the imminent threat of climate change and the converging environmental tribulations, there is reason to be optimistic about our future. The broad sustainability movement has gained significant traction due to the ingenuity and leadership in smaller sub-movements. While the sustainability movement, as a whole, still needs to grow and accelerate, there have been clear and noteworthy advances that can be attributed to the concentrated efforts of various sustainability factions. Here are 10 focused movements that are making a big difference in the transition to a sustainable future.
1. Cradle to Cradle Design, The Upcycle, and the Circular Economy: Architect William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart disrupted the way we make things with their 2002 book Cradle to Cradle that was memorably not printed on trees. And, their 2013 book The Upcycle reinforced the notion that waste does not occur in natural systems. The duo articulate a clear vision for society — “a delightfully diverse, safe, healthy, and just world with clean air, water, soil, and power, economically, equitably, ecologically, and elegantly enjoyed.” Their vision continues to spread with the creation of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute founded in 2010 and conversations around the circular economy have…
