well, it's about time

A long time ago, when my parents were convinced that my interest in alternative fuels and energy and in corporate sustainability was some kind of fringe theory, I framed it in terms of national defense on a tactical level.

What could be better evidence of the need for alternative fuel vehicles and greater fuel efficiency than military vehicles in the desert? In addition to reducing the military's fuel sensitivity in dire situations, it would also mean carrying less resupply on the vehicles, which would have a virtuous cycle of benefit. Apparently the U.S. military is starting to agree.

Trendspotting

An interesting hypothesis that sooner or later, Kindles will be free. Stupendously clever on their part, if it's true. As an Amazon Prime member, I'm obviously a major fan.

optimistic supply chain nerdery

Is the economy improving? At least for supply chains and manufacturing, signs point to yes.

Oh, did I say for manufacturing? Make that non-manufacturing, too.

It seems health care is finally starting to get the picture on supply management. Turns out better managed hospitals may actually improve patient care. Who'd've thought?!

Increasing public scrutiny of environmental practices means supply chains in the developing world are getting the shakedown. This is a good thing in the long run, though I'm sure business leaders are pretty unhappy with it right now.

On "shared value"

Michael Porter has become one of the greatest, most articulate advocates of business's increasing impetus to create shared value for the community as a means of competitive advantage. It's something that seems intuitive to us CSR/sustainability nerds, but has been thought anathema to good business by many for a long time. Porter also has some great publications on the subject, but I figured I'd link to the recent HBR interview, which sums up the articles nicely.

Rethinking Capitalism - Video - Harvard Business Review

Walk, Jog, Run

A pretty good outline from Southern Energy Management of how a small or mid-sized enterprise can start to build a better footprint. Look inward, then look up and downstream. Also, be patient.

Extending the Triple Bottom Line to Create a Sustainable Supply Chain

An interesting perspective on the animal husbandry debate

Eating less meat could save 45,000 lives a year, experts claim | The Guardian

Vegetarianism is often cited as a dietary option which would drastically reduce CO2-equivalent emissions, and as an option to feed more people and provide better access to clean potable water worldwide (rather than using it for water-intensive factory ranching). Now, here's a study--albeit from biased sources--that suggests even eating less meat could save tens of thousands of lives annually just in the UK.

A key point mentioned in the article is the consumption of processed meats (and subsequent overconsumption of sodium). Still, it doesn't make a distinction between responsibly raised versus factory farmed animals, perhaps because the nutritional difference is negligible. That said, it might make for an interesting conversation.

Late, but interesting

I wonder where all the naysayers are who thought Apple could never achieve 3m ipad unit sales. I'd love to know how much salt is needed to eat one's words.

Apple's 3rd-quarter results.