Author Description

We are in a new age of business. The world no longer believes that rampant capitalism is the key to their growth and survival. Who can blame them as the largest firms have led the economy into a tailspin that will take years to pull out of. But capitalism has to play a role in our economic health, and our future is tied to our environment as global warming and other environmental system failures become a fact of life. On top of that, it has become obvious that we are our brother's keeper as each country's economy is tied into the success and health of billions of people around the world. New thinking is needed to meet this challenge. Whether you work for a Fortune 500 corporation, want to update your business, or are starting an entirely new venture, the opportunity for new products, programs and systems is unprecedented. The key to your success will be threefold. First, be an idealist build a business, service, or product line that you are proud of and that others can trust. Second, be knowledgeable about the dramatic changes that are threatening our planet's environmental systems. Finally have the skills that are essential in a profitable business to make change happen. Karen helped the Chicago Manufacturing Center (CMC) and the City of Chicago develop the Waste to Profit Network and she currently works with CMC and Regions 5 and 7 of the EPA to promote and develop a Midwest Waste to Profit regional network. Marvin has 50 years of experience as an entrepreneur in small manufacturing. He founded and ran a successful green business in a time when neither idealism nor environmentalism were desired or tolerated. Today a combination of business skills, environmental knowledge and a commitment to doing meaningful work is what our society needs to survive and thrive. Imagine the world you would like to work in and the changes you can make. Then go for it. We hope our experiences and insights will make your path a little easier.