Stanford Social Innovation Review

STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABILITY: A Business Manifesto by Adam Werbach

Using social networking tools, the author reveals the intricate web of relationships that exist between business and environmentalists and suggests ways that these relationships could become even more fruitful in the environmental movement. —By Andrew J. Hoffman

Voluntary carbon offsets allow people to invest in projects that allegedly counteract their greenhouse gas emissions. But can voluntary offsets help slow global warming? Or are offsets simply a way for guilt-ridden consumers to buy their way out of bad feelings? —By Matthew J. Kotchen

When Nau, an outdoor clothing start-up from Portland, Ore., launched in 2005, word on the street had it that the company would push socially responsible business to new heights. But barely a year after putting its earth-toned parkas and virgin merino wool sweaters up for sale in its übercool “webfront” stores, Nau pulled the plug. Find out how Nau tried on too much, too fast. —By Suzie Boss

E + Co connects the dots between energy, poverty, and the environment.

Research finds human extinction looms near if consumption levels do not decrease.

Britain tries building carbon-neutral housing to address its housing shortage. 

Rockers go green. 

Mathematical tool helps countries weigh the pros and cons of using biofuel. 

Consumers say they want to buy ecologically friendly products and reduce their impact on the environment. But when they get to the cash register, their Earth-minded sentiments die on the vine. Although individual quirks underlie some of this hypocrisy, businesses can do a lot more to help would-be green consumers turn their talk into walk.

By tailoring its methods to local values and needs, Rare has slowly seeded conservation programs in 40 countries. Yet as more and more species teeter on the brink of extinction, the organization must expand quickly. Here’s how the boutique nonprofit is delivering customized Rare Pride social marketing campaigns to millions of people in the planet’s most fragile ecosystems.

Move over, Prius; here comes the Aquatanker.

Rewarding the socially responsible with customers.

In Berkeley, here comes the sun.