After the novelty of having a plastic book wore off (and after actually testing its claim of being waterproof), I actually read the first two chapters of Cradle to Cradle. Before reading it, I had expected a dull tome on "sustainability" and "conservation". I was astounded to discover Cradle to Cradle was a revolutionary text. It reads as a green manifesto, and an attempt to singlehandedly set in motion a paradigm shift. Cradle starts by demonstrating the flaws of the commercial, "cradle to grave" philosophy, and its roots in the Industrial Revolution. The text also hits upon the business practice known as universal design solutions, where a product is made to meet the worst case scenario, and the broader concept of brute force, where nature must be overwhelmed to serve industry. Chapter two attacks the idea of "doing less bad", aiming its sights on the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. At this point, I began to realize how radical Cradle is. I always thought reduction was a good thing, but apparently it merely prolongs the destruction of the environment. Reusing and Recycling can only go so far. Certain waste products are completely unusable. Many materials, when reused, degrade in quality, what the authors aptly call "downcycling". Also, they deal with Regulation, explaining how it can hinder rather than help the environment. Finally, it lambasts efficiency for efficiency's sake, describing the ultimate efficient society as devoid of creativity, monotonous, and counterproductive.
So far, I am not only enjoying this book, but it has also profoundly affected me.
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This is a very thoughtful and focused engagement with the text. I'm glad that you are liking it. Perhaps in later posts you can also elaborate on the ways in which it has impacted you and how that impact is shaping your research project. Very good work!
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