The Bioneers: Declarations of Interdependence

by Ken Ausubel, Ausubel

Meet the Bioneers--visionary "biological pioneers" who use nature to heal nature. The Declarations of Interdependence , presents the fascinating and inspiring stories of 14 people at the cutting edge of solutions-based approaches to environmental restoration, whose work includes technological innovation, economic strategies, social justice, and a spiritual connection to the natural world. These scientific and social innovators are helping to define a coming Age of Biology founded in principles of kinship, interdependence, cooperation, and community. They share working models for restoration that can be replicated, refined, and spread around the world as vital keys to environmental and cultural renewal. Learn about John Todd, Monika Griefahn, Francisco X. Alarc³n, Kat Harrison, Fred Kirschenmann, Jason Clay, Vandana Shiva, and many more. The Bioneers are inspirational role models demonstrating that individuals can make a positive difference toward creating a sustainable future--on the ground, in communities, in corporate boardrooms, and in the corridors of government. As noted entrepreneur and author Paul Hawken ( The Ecology of Commerce, Natural Capitalism ) says, "The Bioneers are central to the re-imagination of what it means to be human."

Genres: Environment, Nonfiction

302 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Tom Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating and diverse 90s collection of back-to-nature, save-the-planet essays. The pieces are in a consistent form: problem definition, relevant pioneer/scientist-activist, what you can do. The diversity comes from applied science like Donald A. Hammer's Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment to spiritual points of view like ethnobotanist Kathleen "Kat" Harrison meeting the plant spirits in dreams. One introduction that brings these ends of the gamut together is the water form explorations of Jennifer Greene.

The epilogue has a nice generalization of three dimensions of nature; modes of change that lead to chaos: place, balance, and diversity.

[Julie Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting selection of essays, inspiring!