8 December 2009


Dear Friend,


Thank you. Thank you for standing with Natural Capitalism Solutions in this time of difficult economics and global transitions. Thank you for helping a new kind of capitalism to emerge, one that implements more sustainable practices and restores human and natural capital.


I write to you, en route to London and then Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Whether or not anything useful comes from the global climate conference there, the Natural Capitalism delegation will do our best to frame a pragmatic basis for climate protection.

The real work of climate protection cannot be achieved in international conferences. It is accomplished in your community, in towns and cities across the globe, and in companies, small and large. This approach, which is being outlined in our forthcoming book, Climate Capitalism, shows how main street economics will be crucial in implementing the measures necessary to secure a sustainable future.

When I wrote to you this time last year, those who could least afford it were being saddled with the bulk of the pain from the collapse of "casino capitalism." That has not changed much. Retirement funds continue to shrink. The cost of living has risen. More than 10% of Americans are unemployed. In short, the American dream is being foreclosed in an asset-based recovery that benefits Wall Street by liquidating human and natural capital.

The recent economic crisis has only made it clearer that it is imperative to implement the principles of Natural Capitalism. This is still not just a good idea, it is now critical for our children, our communities, our economy, our environment, and our way of life.

Your support has made it possible for Natural Capitalism Solutions to produce these results:

  • The Future of Industry in Asia: A paper that addresses how resource-efficient and low-carbon manufacturing lifts people out of poverty and discusses a holistic approach to achieving genuine sustainable change. I wrote this paper with Emily Evans, Catherine Greener, and Bonnie Nixon, and presented it in September at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) conference in Manila. After meeting in Manila with Ministers from the Asian nations, we are now polishing the results and adding additional content so that we can distribute it in 2010 as a global analysis. Click here to read the paper.

  • Solutions at the Speed of Business: Toby Russell led the development of Natural Capitalism Solutions' new web-based program that helps businesses implement effective climate solutions. Now available online, this exciting tool is supported by newly forming "Learning Circles" in which small businesses will work together with peers to implement profitable climate protection measures. Click here to read more.

  • Coal Plants in Transition: An Economic Case Study: Senior Consultant, Paul Sheldon led a team that detailed the economic case for phasing out coal plants in favor of efficient use of renewable sources of energy. The report should be issued early in 2010.

  • Alliance with the Alliance: Natural Capitalism Solutions worked closely with the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado to implement replicable, local strategies for modeling sustainable solutions in Colorado communities and companies.

  • Restorative Boulder: Natural Capitalism Solutions advised the City of Boulder, Colorado, on ways to create a model for community-based sustainability, carbon neutral without offsets, delivering abundant clean water, sustainable food, zero waste, and a socially equitable economy.

  • Clean and Green Jobs Training and Mentoring Initiative: With support from Chicago-based PortionPac Corporation and several individual donors, Natural Capitalism Solutions developed programs to offer green jobs training and mentoring to individuals who might otherwise be left out of the emerging green economy, returning veterans, people coming out of incarceration, women, minorities, immigrants, and other at-risk adults. If the support we are seeking comes in, this program will be rolled out broadly in 2010.

  • Helping Major Corporations Implement More Sustainable Practices: In 2009, Natural Capitalism Solutions worked with companies representing three percent of U.S. GDP. We helped retail companies, the chemical industry, food producers, and others implement more sustainable forms of capitalism.

On a more personal note, the Natural Capitalism Solutions family had its first baby this year, Toby Russell and his wife Kelly welcomed their bouncing baby boy, Calvin!

In Calvin's honor, and in the name of all children now exploring their world and those yet to be born, I ask for your help in unleashing the new energy economy, creating green jobs, and bringing the more durable prosperity that Natural Capitalism can deliver.

Your continuing support makes this possible. It enables us to bring these concepts to companies, communities, and countries to implement genuine sustainability. Please think of Natural Capitalism Solutions this holiday season and support our work by clicking below and completing the simple, online donation form or by sending a check today.

As always, please feel free to contact me personally if you have a special project you would like to support through Natural Capitalism Solutions.

Hunter Lovins and the Natural Capitalism Staff.

P.S. Please consider becoming a "RAD Circle of Giving" donor, by making an ongoing, monthly contribution. As a RAD Circle of Giving donor, no matter what level, you will make a critical difference in transforming capitalism. The process is simple. Just let us know how much you'd like to contribute, and we'll take care of a monthly credit card donation or electronic funds transfer.

Please call 1-720-684-6580 to get started.