Book Roundup Wednesday: Books About Green Economics

New for 2009 on the Green Life is a weekly roundup of books addressing a particular aspect of environmentalism. This week, given that almost everyone is anxiously following the state of the economy, we’re recommending new and soon-to-be-published books about green economics and environmental money issues. Check back here every Wednesday to discover new and worthwhile books.

Right Relationship: Building a Whole Earth Economy (by Peter G Brown and Geoffrey Garver, $17, Berrett-Koehler, Feb. 2009): Invoking the Quaker principle of “right relationship” – acknowledging that all of life is interconnected and treating that fact with respect – the authors suggest reforming and downscaling the economy to a level that’s sustainable for maintaining the integrity of life on earth.

Inquiries Into The Nature Of Slow Money: Investing As If Food, Farms, And Fertility Mattered (by Woody Tasch, $22, Chelsea Green, Jan. 2009): Suggesting a new financial system that brings money “back down to earth,” this book, written by a VC expert, propones that investors place their funds into sustainable, responsible agriculture.

Green Investing: A Guide to Making Money Through Environment-Friendly Stocks (by Jack Uldrich, $15, Adams Media, Mar. 2008): The author teaches readers how to locate and research green business models in which to invest, profiles companies to consider investing in, and addresses green realms of positive-return possibility, such as biofuels, solar energy, and wind power.

Build a Green Small Business: Profitable Ways to Become an Ecopreneur (by Scott Cooney, $20, McGraw-Hill, Oct. 2008): The author provides general, practical ways to start a planet-friendly enterprise and goes on to include ideas and tips for launching specific businesses, including an eco-laundromat, a green B&B, an organic coffee shop, a used-book store, and others.

ECOpreneuring: Putting Purpose and the Planet Before Profits (by John Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist, $18, New Society, Apr. 2008): A how-to guide for building a business that will benefit the planet, this book explains why the time is right for such endeavors, lists “restorative opportunities,” provides definitions and guidelines for a sustainable business, and discusses why it’s important to balance a meaningful personal life with a meaningful work life.

--Avital Binshtock