Sunday, October 18, 2009

The business of sustainability

I love TED Talks as you might know from previous posts. They almost always engage us with some pretty serious thinking and action in a succinct, entertaining, and often deep manner. The following is no exception.

Ray Anderson has created Interface Carpets that makes carpet conceived "cradle to cradle," meaning that his company reuses its own materials. Their mission states that "Interface will become the first name in commercial and institutional interiors worldwide through its commitment to people, process, product, place and profits. We will strive to create an organization wherein all people are accorded unconditional respect and dignity; one that allows each person to continuously learn and develop." Amazing what can follow from such a commitment and the values that manifest from them or guide them.

As TED writes it, "At his carpet company, Ray Anderson has increased sales and doubled profits while turning the traditional "take / make / waste" industrial system on its head. In a gentle, understated way, he shares a powerful vision for sustainable commerce." Brilliant. [Hat tip to Carlo and Erik.]

Watch here.


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