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Our culture of entitlement encourages the belief that instant gratification is our right; this in turn erodes our sense of duty toward anything outside of these immediate desires. Our consumption habits are out of control and they are sabotaging our destiny. In response to this, Mr. Coleman argues that nurturing our sense of personal responsibility, and squashing our hunger for more "stuff" is the single most important step toward saving our world for future generations.
The "Baby Boomer" generation is retiring and the so-called "Generation Y" will soon receive the largest transfer of wealth in history. It is vital to emphasize the need for replacing our entitlement culture with sustainable growth through redefining our core values. The Sustainability Generation provides a clear roadmap of how individuals can empower and enlighten themselves and their peers.
A new "Sustainability Generation" that is committed to environmental and social change will offer the promise of the greatest legacy possible--a future!
Foreword L. Hunter Lovins ix
Preface xv
Introduction xxiii
Chapter 1 The Societal Shifts Before Our Eyes 1
A Societal Shift-40 Years in the Making
Lessons in Leadership: Working toward a Better Future Requires Patience and Humility
Rebalancing Your Future
Generational Accountability
Going Beyond Generational "He Said, She Said"
Sustainability is a Human Endeavor
Chapter Summary
Chapter 2 Entitlement and Indulgence 27
In Your Backyard: A World of Erroneous Consumption
Examining Entitlement in Society
Addressing the Challenges through a New Age of Global Cooperation
A Tragedy of the Commons: A Need to Exercise Common Sense
Understanding the Underlying Causes of Entitlement
A Generation in Transition
Chapter Summary
Chapter 3 Personal Accountability: Why Personal Accountability? Why NOW? Why YOU? 65
Personal Accountability Is Everyone's Responsibility
Accountability and Sustainability
Challenges and Opportunities in Personal Accountability
Keeping the Silver Tsunami from Crushing the Green Wave of Innovation and Social Accountability
Chapter Summary
Chapter 4 Empowerment and Enlightenment 89
Empowerment
Enlightenment
Innovation through Enlightened Sustainability: Small Companies, Strong Leaders, and Big Impact
Getting Religion on Climate Change and Personal Behaviors Affecting the State of Our Economy
Chapter Summary
Chapter 5 Equity for a New Generation 111
Building a Culture of Ecologic and Economic Equity
Creating Equity for the Next Generation: A Conversation with the CEO of Enolia Ventus
Chapter Summary
Chapter 6 Taking Action on Personal Accountability by Simplifying Sustainability for the NOW Generation 135
Taking Action on Personal Accountability
Simplifying Sustainability: The Sustainability Generation Tool-Kit for Industry, Academia, Government, and Not-for-Profits
The Need to Embrace Civility for a Sustainable Generation
Embrace Your Personal Journey of Self Discovery toward Sustainable Living
A Reflection of Our Past: From Silent Spring to In-Bloom
Chapter Summary
Chapter 7 Developing Leadership Skills to Address a New Era of Economic, Environmental, and Social Accountability 179
The Role of Universities in Creating a More Sustainable World (William [Bil] Destler, President, Rochester Institute of Technology [RIT]
"Truth Speaking" on Sustainability (Insights and Perspective from GP's Chief Sustainability Officer, Bill Frerking)
Xerox: Ready for Real (Sustainable) Business (A Conversation with Patty Calkins, Vice President, Environment, Health and Safety)
Strategic Succession Planning: Addressing Enterprise Risks While Developing the Next Generation of Innovative Companies and Sustainability Leaders
Chapter Summary
Endnotes 229
Additional Sources of Learning and Information 239
Acknowledgments 252
Index 257
About the Author 271
Overview
Life on Earth is increasingly at risk. What to do about rescuing our planet, and ourselves, is a growing concern for people of all ages and all walks of life. Mark C. Coleman's groundbreaking book, The Sustainability Generation: The Politics of Change and Why Personal Accountability is Essential NOW! takes a cold, hard look at the facts about where we stand and how to move forward. The Sustainability Generation is beyond simply another "green" book in that it focuses on the poisonous influence of our acquisitive...