Most of us have spent our lives trying to “save the environment” through individual actions—recycling, shopping local, supporting green companies. Or we are mired in seemingly endless social challenges like homelessness, the growing wealth gap, food insecurity, and so many others. Meaningful change has been painfully slow.

In Ecosystems as Models for Restoring Our Economies (To a Sustainable State), John H. Giordanengo offers a fresh and engaging perspective on our most pressing social and environmental concerns, and takes the most logical next step. With human stories and intriguing research, he shows how we can learn from resilient, adaptable, and productive ecological systems to transform our economies to a sustainable state.

Drawing on decades of experience in ecological restoration and business, Giordanengo outlines the mysterious structure of a sustainable economy, and the means by which all of us—politicians, business leaders, consumers—can take novel actions for real impact. From a focus on strengthening regional economies to regenerative agriculture to renewable energy, he highlights practical strategies for those who care deeply about environmental and social issues, while sustaining our economic needs.