Green for Green: Entrepreneurship and The Environment

Description

In a world where Earth’s environment and its inhabitants are increasingly compromised by human activities, humans must learn to step outside of their own spheres of influence to understand and forge collaborations with other people, institutions and ways of knowing. Traditionally, the fields of ecology and business have regarded each other as “other”, yet they hold many concepts, concerns, and values in common. In this upper-division program, we will first explore the structure and function of ecosystems in nature, and investigate similarities and differences with systems of business, commerce and entrepreneurship. Second, we will explore how business and entrepreneurship might be harnessed to increase conservation and stewardship of Earth’s ecosystems.

During winter quarter, we will explore compelling business ideas by looking at examples of social entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship, corporations, non-profits and social business in the USA and other parts of the world. We will examine the best opportunities for social sector activity, and examine non-profit and for-profit approaches. We will also examine cases where companies have sought to exploit business opportunities that result from global, social and environmental trends.

During spring quarter, students will be guided to develop feasibility plans for projects of their own choice. Projects could include such topics as developing awareness of natural ecosystems, analyzing a company that might be “green-painting” its products, or forging links between different partners that could collaborate to protect the environment. The work will involve market research, library work, data analysis, innovation and collaborative team work.