Probably the most valuable lesson I learned from reading Ecological Intelligence is just how important it is for us, the consumers to close "The Information Gap" We can't rely on the government to pass laws or expect business to voluntarily change their ways while sacrificing profits. It's up to the consumer to learn which companies are acting responsibly and which are not. And then the answer is clear; support the ones acting responsibly and boycott the ones hurting the environment. If these irresponsible companies loose money, they're much more apt to change their ways. ( )

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14417489

A description of how knowing more about the products we buy, including their provenance and the environmental cost of their production, can make use better consumers and help protect the environment. ( )

A look at our consumption that aims at getting us to think smarter and more holistically about environmental problems. Essentially Goleman is arguing for full disclosure on products from companies, and for consumers to think systemically about all sorts of environmental issues (rather than one thing) There is an explicit critique of greenwashing here (presenting a product as green because it is recycled or whatever when other parts of it are not environmentally great). I think other books say this better, and this is slightly dated. Still some good stuff ( )

This is an essential introduction to understanding the ecological implications for each purchase decision we make. The perspective of the book is based on the ecological and political consequences of choosing one product over another. Daniel Goleman stresses the need for "radical transparency" in providing consumers the information we need to make informed buying decisions. He spotlights the iPhone and Android app GoodGuide ( http://www.goodguide.com/about/mobile ) as providing this information at the point of purchase, where these decisions are made.

My concern, and apparently also the author's concern in 2009 (when the book was published) is that this all may be "Too little, too late". But a very necessary step. ( )