This was a really interesting read. We all know (even the ones who don't want to admit it out loud) that the planet is in trouble and we need to take more care of the environment, but consumerism and convenience unfortunately wins out. Everyone needs to read this and we all need to make changes!

"You Can't Make Money From a Dead Planet" by Mark Shayler is a game-changer! Shayler's wit and wisdom make this book an absolute gem for anyone looking to understand sustainability in a way that's both practical and profitable. With a conversational tone that feels like a chat with a knowledgeable friend, Shayler demystifies the complexities of environmental responsibility.

What sets this book apart is its refreshing approach to sustainability as a business strategy. Shayler doesn't just preach about saving the planet; he shows you how to make a thriving business while doing it. The book is filled with real-world examples, actionable insights, and a healthy dose of humor, making it an engaging read for entrepreneurs and eco-conscious individuals alike.

Shayler's passion for the environment is contagious, and by the end of the book, you'll find yourself not only convinced of the need for sustainable practices but also armed with the tools to implement them. "You Can't Make Money From a Dead Planet" is a must-read for anyone ready to embrace a greener, more profitable future.

This book is a bit different for me. I am so glad that I read it though. I particularly liked the way the author focussed on business needs - that can still be addressed - while striving to ensure that businesses and humanity - as we know it - survive in the long run.

It may be worth considering adding this book to the school curriculum. It might help people to get an insight into to how business strategy can evolve. The author doesn't try to bore you with endless stories that are irrelevant. It is all relevant and the more society develops we need to fully understand the consequences of business decisions in the long term!

This book really opens your eyes to the world of business vs sustainability.
Do you want items to arrive in good (undamaged) condition? Then they will need packaging - we know that the more sustainable the packaging the more it will cost. But, we all want things cheaper and cheaper.

Whilst the audience may be more of the business market for this book I think that its a great opportunity for us all to understand whats happening and why to see what needs to change.

This book by a person who advises businesses, is mainly aimed at businesses. As I read on this topic just about each day, I didn't need to be informed on all the topics covered, from the dilemma of plastic / aluminium / glass containers, to the mechanics of global warming. But they are here, and well presented. So, if you're giving a talk to the Board, read up on the latest stats and methods.

I especially like the visuals and tables. These are not the cartoonish pop culture visuals seen in some books, but more aligned with what a business expects to see. I also like that Mark is based in UK so the book is not all American, as I have read lots of those.

The best part for me was the tales Mark told of his personal experience while advising large firms and small on how to be more - compliant, sustainable, popular, well-regarded etc. For instance, one meeting was considering becoming a more sustainable firm, but a senior man said no, the customer wasn't interested. An intern promptly raised her hand and said if the firm didn't make efforts to be sustainable, she would never work for them. The firm swung to a sustainable model. This brave young person affected everyone in the business and all their work.

Another great story is that a firm supplying ceramic pots to garden centres was planning to add more packaging because the pots on the bottom of the truck always arrived broken. Mark watched the pots getting loaded, the truck trundling down the driveway over speed bumps. He stopped the truck at the gate and found the pots were already broken. The firm reduced the speed bumps and solved the problem. Less waste in two areas. Three, if you factor in additional driving to deliver a full supply.

I appreciate that Mark includes the investment, mainly by Chinese people, in Africa as 'the next factory of the world' to quote a book I previously read. Global movement of goods, wastes, services and profits is a major feature in the pages. Climate change is the big issue, also biodiversity loss (but saying no bees equals no plants is clearly wrong) and various kinds of pollution. Plenty of food for thought.
Notes start on p. 268, given by chapter references.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.