Customer Reviews

Eco Barons: The Dreamers, Schemers, and Millionaires Who Are Saving Our Planet

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Pulitzer Prize winning Journalist/Author Edward Humes ascribes the name eco baron to the innovative conservationists/ environmentalists striving to save the earth. The opposite of the former robber barons, they are having a positive impact on saving the natural environment instead of merely accumulating wealth and power. Mr. Humes shares the inspiring stories of devoted men and women committed to being the protectors of the planet, thereby ensuring a better future for all the earth's inhabitants. These little-known white knights have dedicated their entire lives and fortunes to this cause. They all valiantly fought against insurmountable obstacles and overwhelming opposition. One example is Doug Tompkins, who used his Esprit fashion company profits to buy and preserve thousands of rainforest acres in Chile's Patagonia. Also, described are the fascinating history and monumental accomplishments of the non-profit Center for Biological Diversity, including their plan to fight climate change. Roxanne Quimby sold her cosmetics company, Burt's Bees, and used the proceeds to save the Maine Woods. Volunteer Carole Allen advocated and saved a species of endangered sea turtle. These are just a sampling of the individuals profiled. Also included, is a list of simple things that every household can accomplish to save both money and the environment. The book concludes with an appendix of resources to assist in further educating oneself. Mr. Humes has magnificently written an engrossing book that had me eagerly turning the pages. He provided proof that one person can make a difference. Each one of us, in our own way, have the ability to be an eco baron with these exceptional individuals showing us the way. At times, we may feel the need to be inspired and this book can do just that. I absolutely loved this outstanding book and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it as a 'must read' for everyone.

Fascinating book. So much environmental literature can be depressing but this is an inspiring account of men and women who are making very real steps towards bettering the planet. Not only is the book well written, interesting and hopeful, but it helps the reader by providing real steps anyone can take to become an eco baron.

While this book profiles the 'Conservancy' style of Roxanne Quimby (Burts Bees) and Doug Thompkins (Patagonia), what especially stuck with me was learning more about Andy Franks, a big mover behind the electric car/California Car project. Humes also has an excellent summary of how our freeway/road system was a gift to the auto industry at the expense of the electric trolleys, etc, that were once a common feature of American Cities.
In the long run, while conservation is crucial, praiseworthy, etc, in the long run what this country needs now is futurist and opinion makers who can reshape society into a healthy place for children and for those of a collaborative spirit. The idea of milking 'the commons' for all it's worth ala Bernie Madoff, Kenneth Lay...has got to stop. Humes does an excellent job of putting a positive spin on these changes.

First let me say that I read a lot of books of varied themes, ideas etc and most do come from Amazon. This is the first book I have ever felt strong enough about to bother with a review.

For any one who is concerned, interested or just curious about the environment, this book should be read. Totally amazing what individuals can do for this planet, some are rich, others are barely scraping by, but all have made a profound impression and effort to help correct the ills effecting our home, this Planet Earth.

The inner workings of trying to help our Planet and the political roadblocks that keep good ideas and inventions from not becoming accepted or commonplace is eye opening and mind boggling.


Whatever I can do to help them I shall do. I do a lot now in my own capacity, due to this book, I shall do more.

I read it in a day. Loved this book. Excellent writer and, as he says in interview with Booklist, sustainability is The Story of Our Time. Even though we've ditched the Bush era insanity in the government re environment, we really haven't made the kind of progress we need to - the kind of common sense that most of the examples in this book show. I wish the author had gone more into the examples of Sweden's Natural Step, but this is a book I'd like to write. For video examples and more info about Green Plans, see Huey Johnson's nonprofit [...]. You can also read his book. Green Plans, Revised Ed: Blueprint for a Sustainable Earth (Our Sustainable Future) I made the videos on his web site. Huey won the top prize for environmentalism from the UN in 2001 for his Green Plans movement building and evangelizing. We need a hundred more books like Eco Barons (which is not the best title this book could have had but oh well....it's a good book!)

Deserving of ongoing recommendation is ECO BARONS: THE DREAMERS, SCHEMERS, AND MILLIONAIRES WHO ARE SAVING OUR PLANET, a unique coverage of those who have used their money to save the planet from ecological destruction. These monied barons are saving forests and wetlands, pioneering green technologies and making real changes. An outstanding presentation.

The book is a good read and interesting some of the people in it I knew non thing about. The Idea that countries face the problems differently and don't view destruction of the environment in their countries as important to the rest of the world.

I thought it would be about allllll the eco-activists. Instead it's really focused on a few very rich people who are privileged enough to buy lots and lots and lots of land and try to preserve parts of the ecosphere. However, I had expected to hear from a wider variety of environmentalists. I still enjoyed this book - kinda wish it was filled with photos, though, too, since this is like lifestyles of the rich and famous eco-barons.

This book does an adequate job of profiling noteworthy indivudals. There are certainly some beguiling anecdotes and descriptions of impressive contributions.

I would have been more satisfied with this book, however, if I had learned more. Much of it felt like an adoring magazine profile. I didn't always feel like I was understanding a person's shortcoomings or how what they did fit into the scheme of things (this was particularly the case with Doug Thompson's work in Patagonia).

What a breath of fresh air in this often times disturbing world. The author gives us accurate information and hope. Prof. Andy Frank has been working on a plugin hybrid car that would solve our serious dependence on oil.