The subtitle of this book, Strategy, Methods and Solutions for Environmental Stewardship, provoked my interest; it sounded like a handbook for businesses, filled with tips for employers on reducing waste. As a small-business operator--and personal conservationist--I eagerly sought helpful information betwixt the pages, expecting studies on low-flow toilets, an emphasis on green-building techniques or a campaign for replacing cellulose products with e-paper. However, after reading the book a more pertinent subtitle presented itself: Controversial Business Criticism with Little Practical Application.



Knowing that most folks already want clean air and water, I was a bit surprised at the number of dire warnings reiterated throughout the piece. Olsen had several inspired and techno-savvy suggestions for corporate change but seemed unaware of their cost to the average business. Oddly, several "green" businesses--like Burt's Bees--were referred to in the "endnotes" but not mentioned in the prose. I must also note that the advance copy I received does not indicate anywhere that it was printed on recycled paper.



Olsen's emphasis on resource conservation is appreciated and admirable, but the book appears to focus on why rather than how green solutions can be plausibly implemented, without generating higher consumer costs.