I watched a Youtube video titled, “What is Sustainability.” This video was provided by our professor on the Blackboard site. In reaction to the government creating a hoard of environment protection laws such as Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, the majority of businesses protested that their businesses would now need to spend more money keeping these laws except this one: M3.

M3 not only wanted to comply with these laws but also go beyond them, and a man named Joseph Ling had a lot to do with the company’s decision. Joseph Ling’s logic that convinced the entire 3M company to go green was fascinating:

Waste=  $ lost

&

Waste= Cannot be sold

Conclusion: Reducing waste increases profit

Here are other fascinating things about 3M. Most would try to deal with wastes once they are created. But 3M wanted to prevent wastes. It is definitely a proactive approach rather than reactive. They were practicing Stuart Hart’s  beyond greening way ahead of the time. Beyond greening means “a complete turnaround from the traditional ways of greening and doing sustainability in a “new capitalism” that is eco-effective (30 Stuart).”

I admired Joseph Ling’s initiative and leadership influencing others to create more sustainable business. This determination and intelligence are important in making a difference, and that is certainly something I would have to learn from.

Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9-Khm_ghHA

Hart, Stuart L. Capitalism At The Crossroads. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc., 2010. Book.