One of the big problems with truly innovative and world-changing ideas is the fact that many people, when hearing about them, dismiss them as fables, as being a “nice concept, but totally unfeasible,” and instead of believing that a more abundant and prosperous future is possible, thanks to ‘blue sky’ thinkers, they continue doing the same things over and over and hoping for different results.
But those that dare to dream, to do, to not take no for answer, and to imagine the impossible, are the ones leading the way toward a more sustainable future.
The ‘inside the box’ types will always need to do feasibility studies, and risk analysis, and financial due diligence, and hire teams of experts in order to take the first steps toward radical innovation. Anything that doesn’t lend itself to this type of scrutiny is the province of nonprofits, charitable organizations, or government subsidies.
However, those working on the bleeding edge, with their finger on the pulse of technology and sustainability and their feet on the ground, may find that their ideas that could help bring about a thriving and sustainable future can be found not through charity and subsidies, but through innovation and competition.
As Gunter Pauli puts it in this TEDXTokyo presentation, we need to shift our focus from a ‘green’ economy to a blue economy:
“Batteries made from wood. Stone transformed into paper. Coffee turned in biochemicals to absorb odors and protect our skin from UV rays. Bioplastics and biochemicals derived from agro-waste and processed in defunct petrochemical plants. All are elements of the bright blue economy envisioned by serial entrepreneur Gunter Pauli, who since 1994 has been gathering the science to drive practical business models that use natural systems, renewable energy and the power of intelligent conversion.”
Here’s an intro to the Blue Economy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8wUMaM3GC8
Find out more about Gunter Pauli, the Blue Economy, and his Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives (ZERI) network.
[h/t to commenter Balance3]
