Book Reviews
Book Review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., M.Sc, LEED AP +
Collapse - How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed
by Jared Diamond, 2005
"At what point do we as individuals prefer to die than to compromise and live?"
- Jared Diamond
Collapse stands alongside anthropology textbooks in its detail of explaining the life and death of various ancient cultures; however, it goes further by directly contrasting some of the different cultures and societies of today.
From ancient Maya to modern Rwanda, Jared Diamond explores what made the culture what it was, and how that essence caused the conditions for that society's collapse. Delving into both human and natural reasons for disaster, he hypothesizes that 12 factors are necessary for collapse and, although they are intertwined, some are stronger indicators than others.
Because of the great detail within this book, it is a challenging read. However, the final chapter brings it all together, making that difficulty worth it. Here, he hypothesizes why people don't always make the changes necessary to avoid collapse. He notes four contributing factors: failure to anticipate the problem before acting, failure to perceive that there is a problem, rationalizing the behaviour that causes the problem, and, finally, the inherent values that prevent change.
The end of his "further readings" section is also interesting as he explores what we, as regular citizens, can do to effect change - including who to lobby and why.
Review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., MSc, LEED AP
Minding Your Business – Profits that Restore the Planet
by Horst M. Rechelbacher
“Sustainable business always involves ethical, healthy, relational exchanges of energy in the form of labor, services, products and money that mutually benefit all parties, and that serve the good of the planet.”
- Horst Rechelbacher
This book was a pleasant surprise. I expected a business book with information on starting and running a sustainable business, step-by-step instructions and statistics. Rechelbacher, founder of Aveda, took a significantly different approach; he focuses on individuals – you and me.
Rechelbacher’s supposition is that the body needs to be in harmony before business can be sustainable. We need to manage our lives so our thoughts, emotions, actions and habits support our wellbeing and growth. Further, we need to understand the links between our vision and actions, the lives of others and our environment.
In business and life, he emphasizes service and personal contact – not e-mail where possible! Corporate decisions are built on democratic consensus from the entire employee base, in settings that allow interaction, discussion, recognition and understanding.
This was an enlightening read, ending with a sustainable to-do list… a challenge to embrace.
Review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., M.Sc., LEED AP
Statistics You Can’t Trust: A Friendly Guide to Clear Thinking About Statistics in Everyday Life
by Steve Campbell, PhD., 1999
This is not the book I intended reviewing for this issue of Perspectives, since I picked the book up from the library at random. Upon reading, I recognized that this book provides a helpful reminder for all of us on how to represent statistics correctly and how to critically evaluate statistics before making decisions or forming opinions based on them. It’s written in a conversational tone, without delving into mathematics.
At their best, statistics show what’s really going on, providing perspective and concrete information on which to base decisions. At worst, they provide misleading data designed to confuse, mislead and befuddle. (Green-washing would fall into the latter category.) Dr. Campbell provides guidance on the nuances of what makes bad statistics, noting that the statistics themselves aren’t always the problem – sometimes it’s the representation. As an example – think of comparator pie charts, which all use the same size of pies. However, when looking more closely, one pie
is referring to global economics while the next is about household budgets.
By using statistics properly, we’re able to more effectively spread the message about benefits of green buildings. This book shows how to do that. Perhaps more importantly, however, it describes how to critically evaluate statistics so we’re not hoodwinked into believing nonsense . . . even when it’s nonsense we agree with!
Review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., M.Sc., LEED AP
The Daily Planet Book of Cool Ideas – Global Warming and What People are Doing About It
by Jay Ingram, 2008
“It is the speed of warming that has convinced the majority of climate scientists that something is going on, and that something is us.” - Jay Ingram
This book provides an upbeat read with a variety of ideas to help combat climate change. Broken into brief stories and articles, it provides an unabashedly Canadian perspective.
The introduction provides a synopsis of the science of climate change, looking at various records and data that are available, how the data is collected, etc. Throughout the rest of the book, Jay Ingram explores both mundane and extraordinary ideas people are exploring throughout the world to combat climate change. Some of the ideas are completely audacious, while others are realistic or already exist. Accompanying the stories are some pretty amazing photographs.
One concept that intrigues me is micro houses – houses less than 100 square feet. As an exercise – think about what it would take for you and your family to live in 100 square feet. How could you make that work while still having a bathroom, kitchen and sleeping space? What type of modularity would you include? Then as a further exercise, take a moment to double the space to see just how much room you suddenly have!
This book contains many interesting ideas - some plausible while others have limited appeal. It’s packed with fabulous photographs and is generally worth perusing.
Review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., M.Sc, LEED AP
Greed to Green - The transformation of an industry and a life
By: David Gottfried 2004
"We harm the planet because we don't feel a connection between our actions and the environmental impact."David Gottfried
This autobiography by the founder of the US Green Building Council weaves a story of personal transformation from a power and money-hungry developer, into a dynamic force in green building development. The storyline of the book enticed me to enjoy a quiet afternoon read.
Beginning with a well-educated, ambitious, impeccably well-dressed young man finding his way in the corporate world of large developers, the narrative draws the reader into David's life. Status, money and prestige were critical to his early years; his work consumed him. Something was missing, however, and a number of events, including a speech by Bill McDonough, re-directed his passion towards green buildings.
The story continues with how Mr. Gottfried used his considerable talents and contacts to form the USGBC in 1993. But the real story is that of a man who gains personal insight and maintains his passion and zeal through difficult years when green building was atypical, and both the organization and his personal finances floundered.
By the end of the book a different man is seen. He's older now, more balanced, with an undying passion for changing the way buildings are built, yet still impeccably well-dressed.
Book review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., M.Sc, LEED AP
Blessed Unrest – How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being, and Why No One Saw It Coming
by Paul Hawken, 2007
“If you look at the science that describes what is happening on earth today and aren’t pessimistic, you don’t have the correct data. If you meet the people in this unnamed movement and aren’t optimistic, you haven’t got a heart.” – Paul Hawken
Blessed Unrest gives unity to diverse organizations dedicated to addressing harmful policies, laws or endeavours. Each individual group exists to mend something – be it social injustice, environmental degradation, corporate greed or a local problem. The movement is nameless and leaderless, and yet it’s gaining power due to the involvement of committed individuals taking on one or more issues. Paul Hawken explores this wide-ranging movement, looking at history, participants, aims and ideals. As members of the Alberta Chapter of the CaGBC, we, too, are part of this
movement.
Paul Hawken weaves the different organizations’ threads together from a refreshing, measured viewpoint. The diversity of ideas is fascinating, and without guidance it’s often hard to see the commonalities between them. I had never previously considered how an indigenous self-government organization and an urban farming group could be connected. In addition to Paul Hawken’s engaging narrative, the book’s appendix is fascinating. Taking up over one-third of the pages is a list of the organizations’ foci – from agricultural policy to weapons.
Ultimately, Mr. Hawken believes the movement is unified by ideas, not ideologies. His book provides an uplifting perspective of what is going right in the world.
Book review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., M.Sc, LEED AP
Whole Earth Discipline – An Ecopragmatist Manifesto
by Stewart Brand, 2009
My grandmother used to say she was in God’s hands in the garden – without herthere would be weeds instead of flowers. Similarly, Stewart Brand argues without human intervention the environment would become overgrown. Tackling topics of cities, nuclear energy, genetic modification and resource management, he makes a strong case that traditional positions of most environmentalists may end up harming what they’re trying to preserve.
His position on cities is championed by those of us involved in green buildings: densification and walkable communities are part of the solution to climate change. However, his glorification of the slums became a bit spurious to this reader. Regarding nuclear power, he discusses the carbon footprint and radioactivity of coal versus nuclear, and the wilderness return after Chernobyl. With bioengineering he contends that by using genetic manipulation the biologist chooses specific traits without unforeseen residual resulting from breeding techniques. The book’s final
chapters focus on how bioengineering, gardening and other human interventions can improve the environment, yet points to a balance between managed and unmanaged landscapes.
Mr. Brand’s arguments are challenging and worth exploring. He proposes it’s time to attempt something new rather than continuing down the same harmful path, regardless of the precautionary principle.
Book review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., M.Sc, LEED AP
Green Oil
by Satya Das, 2009
Green Oil seems like an oxymoron, particularly to those knowledgeable about the carbon economy. However, Satya Das makes a compelling case that Canada and Alberta have to embrace their Oil Superpower status and move towards a more sustainable and ecologically viable methodology of extracting this resource. Noting there will be a global thirst for oil for the foreseeable future, he contends we’re the only nation with significant oil reserves capable of making changes.
Organizations throughout the world are working to brand the oil sands as dirty oil; however, it’s not a foregone conclusion that such oil has to be dirty. The Alberta government needs to take a significant role in greening the oil sands through royalties, regulations that match the most stringent standards in the world, enforcement and research on more environmentally benign extraction methods. Mr. Das proposes several methods of implementation of such policies. He also compares the sustainability of the oil sands to oil from the Middle East, factoring in ongoing
wars, transportation, and the impact of dealing with dictatorial regimes.
This book should be mandatory reading by federal and provincial politicians to provide policy ideas for greening one of Canada’s most important natural resources.
Book Review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., M.Sc, LEED AP +
The Ecology of Commerce
by Paul Hawken, 1993 and Revised Edition 2010
“We call ourselves consumers, but the problem is that we do not consume… An ecological model of commerce would imply that all waste has value to other modes of production so that everything is either reclaimed, reused or recycled.” Paul Hawken, 1993
“We need an economy based on more humility.” Paul Hawken, 2010
This book’s first version provided one of the inspirations for Ray Anderson to redesign InterfaceFlor into a manufacturer without smoke-stacks, toxic chemicals or significant impact on the environment. For a book to inspire a move from business as usual to an entirely new and more benign “usual” meant it had to be a pretty significant work. So, I began reading with rather high expectations and was not disappointed. Mr. Hawkins presents a blueprint for a restorative economy - one that mimics nature so that each process’ waste is someone else’s
fuel. Both problems and solutions are described, along with limitations of the solutions. Successful businesses and business models are portrayed and contrasted with sad portraits of some corporations and the laws they habitually thwart.
The 2010 version is more sombre in tone. Included are discussions on opportunities lost, alongside corporate successes. I sense an increasing level of frustration at the lack of environmental progress and the continued strong role that corporate advocacy plays within governments. There’s significant criticism of the capitalist, global economy, particularly in relation to its discounting of “externalities.” Thus, the blueprint provided in this version is a global economic overhaul with an economic system explicitly tied to waste elimination,
non-carbon based production and long-term accountability and response.
On the whole, I was quite impressed with the detail and examples in both editions. I understand why the 1993 version was such an inspiration to Mr. Ray Anderson of Interface, and found it to be an inspiration to me, in my own day-to-day walk on this planet. The 2010 version still provides valuable insight into things that can be done, but left this reader feeling a little less hopeful than after reading the original.
Book Review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., M.Sc, LEED AP +
Zugunruhe
by Jason McLennan
“Release your ideas and innovations to the world when they are ¾ baked. Chasing perfection is a fool’s errand.” Jason McLennan
Zugunruhe – an unsettled journey.
This book examines many aspects of sustainability, from transportation and accommodation to changing career paths, mentorship, generalization and basically just going out there and doing things. Your life choices may be challenged by reading this book.
What captured me most were the stories of people Mr. McLennan has met and their way of looking at the world: how they were influenced, what motivated them to take their journey towards sustainability.
A major theme running through this book is perfection is over-rated – our society may hand-tie itself waiting for perfection. As we try to live and build more sustainably, we will fail; we won’t reach the exact level of energy efficiency we desire. But through this failure we will learn and touch the earth more lightly. It’s a reminder that if we continue to do things in the same way as always, we’ll continue to fail in the same ways as always.
Ultimately, Zugunruhe is an autobiography – a documentation of Jason McLennan’s journey within the sustainable design industry and his life beyond the office. It starts with “when I was a boy” and ends with who he is now.
Zugunruhe to Ruhe – from an unsettled journey to peacefulness.
Book Review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., M.Sc, LEED AP +
Kick the Fossil Fuel Habit - 10 Clean Technologies to Save Our World
by Tom Rand, 2010
"Climate change is not a political issue. It is neither left nor right, liberal nor conservative, corporate nor anti-corporate. It is a serious, practical problem affecting everyone - and it needs to be solved."
-- Tom Rand
What would One Trillion dollars buy you?
This question is asked for 10 different technologies that can replace fossil fuels. From solar to geothermal to smart grids and everything in-between, Tom Rand explores ways to break our addiction to fossil fuels. The one trillion dollar figure comes from the International Energy Agency's prediction that the world needs to invest $45 trillion in energy systems over the next 30 years. If this gets invested in clean infrastructure, rather than traditional, what can be done?
Mr. Rand explores the practical approaches for each technology, along with the technical and financial limitations. He shows how energy sources can be pushed using today's knowledge and, being both an engineer and an economist, he includes some of the potential challenges associated with each technology. Yet he exudes optimism that we can overcome these issues.
Sandwiched between each technology is a collection of essays on topics reinforcing the reasons to break our fossil fuel habit and move towards a non-carbon based economy. These essays are quite thought provoking - particularly Mr. Rand's comments on nuclear power.
This book is a celebration of where society needs to be, before fossil fuels become prohibitively expensive.
Book review by Jennifer Hancock
Slow Death by Rubber Duck: How the Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Life Affects our Health
by Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie
With the arrival of spring, a time of cleaning and renewal, and with the Sustainable Building Symposium quickly approaching, it seems the perfect time to review and read this book.
By experimenting on themselves, the authors, Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie, reveal the potential danger of substances like fire retardants, phthalates, mercury and anti-bacterial products (to name a few). They discuss how toxic substances get into our bodies and, importantly, how we can avoid them.
The book starts off by giving a brief history of pollution and then details how the authors tested themselves by taking blood and urine samples before, during and after exposure to many commonplace foods and household items. Rick and Bruce then explain the history and applicable research of seven common substances and follow it all up with a chapter called "Detox" or how to avoid excess exposure to toxic substances.
Although this book is disturbing to read at times and can be quite technical in style, it is well worth the effort. Not only is it eye opening, but it leaves us with the hope and knowledge that our consumer choices really do matter. It is the authors' opinion that we can make a huge impact on our level of exposure to toxic substances just by altering our purchasing habits of food, furnishings, clothing and other household items. Ultimately, this book provides the knowledge and the guidance we need so that we can make smarter consumer and life choices.
Book review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., M.Sc, LEED AP
Strategies for the Green Economy – Opportunities and Challenges in the New World of Business
by Joel Makower, 2009
“Company strategies need to go beyond simple slogans or random acts of greenness to reflect some fundamental changes in how business is done.” Joel Makower.
What is the green economy and how does one succeed within it? This book by Joel Makower is a guide that shows depth and understanding of various aspects of corporate culture. It showcases individual companies, from corporate giants to small, local firms, and presents some of the good (and bad) that companies are doing – some more quietly than others.
Much of the book focuses on consumer profiling and market research. Through this, Mr. Makower explores why people’s survey responses don’t seem to jive with their actual purchasing patterns, and how companies can use this dichotomy. He looks at the advantages and disadvantages of both small and large companies, and what they have to do to be “green enough” today, and possible requirements for tomorrow.
I enjoyed reading the case study vignettes, both in response to consumer reaction and in anticipation of reaction. Some memorable discussions include Coca-Cola’s overall carbon footprint, Clorox’s move to form their Green Works brand, Levi’s use of organic cotton, Patagonia’s difficulties with buttons and the Starbucks Fair Trade challenge.
There’s a quiet optimism running through this book, and a sense that corporate America will embrace the green challenge based on pure capitalistic reasoning… profit.
Book Review by Trina Larsen, P.Eng., M.Sc, LEED AP +
Balance of Nature - Ecology's Enduring Myth
by: John Kricher, 2009
"The Earth's collective biodiversity is experiencing its sixth major extinction event since multicellular life first evolved. It is also passing through a period of rapid climate change, a change that is likely forced by anthropogenic actions."
- John Kricher
The buildings that we, as building professionals, design and construct impact the surrounding flora and fauna. But have we disrupted the balance of nature? This book seeks to counter the myth of balance of nature, without negating human impact.
Mr. Kricher takes us on a journey through changes in human understanding of ecological processes and in actual evolutionary change. Throughout, he points out there never has been, nor will there be any balance within nature. On the contrary, nature is constantly changing and evolving in order to survive both natural and anthropological impacts.
At the same time, he doesn't let humans get off easy - he points directly to us as the cause of the current major extinction event, stating: "the human impact on Earth is staggering, and grows daily!"
Some readers may be concerned that without a presumed natural balance, a licence is given to continue the status quo. But we're not let off the hook. Mr. Kricher finishes by showing how to ensure the sustainability of Earth's ecology while reconfirming the economic benefits of natural processes. He proposes environmental ethics that involve informed decisions towards impacts on ecological processes which result in the least harm to those processes.
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