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

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Pulitzer Prize–winner Humes (Mississippi Mud) profiles a band of idealistic environmentalists devoting their lives and fortunes to protecting nature, including such tycoons as Doug Thompson, the founder of fashion house Esprit, who now spends his millions buying up thousands of acres of land to create nature preserves, and Roxanne Quimby, creator of the cosmetics giant Burt's Bees, who is purchasing huge tracts of forests in Maine woods to trump the real estate investor's visions of resorts, golf courses and suburban homes on clear-cut lands. But other barons are more David than Goliath. The Center for Biological Diversity, a cash-strapped nonprofit founded by an owl expert, scientist and mystic and a former engineering student turned philosopher, is responsible for the recent campaign to fight climate change by protecting the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act. Engineering professor Andy Frank has spent 20 years battling a recalcitrant [auto] industry and confused policy makers to produce an affordable, plug-in hybrid car. Readers concerned with conservation will appreciate this optimistic if starry-eyed introduction to these little-known giants of the environmental movement. (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* An eco baron is the opposite of a robber baron, using talent, gumption, and wealth not for personal gain but for environmental good. Award-winning journalist Humes brings a fluency in complex issues and a love of David-Goliath stories to this illuminating group portrait of embattled visionaries who “are showing the world that nature can be nurtured.” Douglas Tompkins, a Mayflower blueblood, dropped out of high school, cofounded the Esprit clothing empire, then abandoned corporate life to devote himself to preserving the wilds of Patagonia, in spite of vehement resistance. Roxanne Quimby, the artist who founded the company Burt’s Bees, faced vicious opposition to her efforts to preserve the Maine Woods. Carole Allen, a citizen of modest means but immense passion, received death threats for her volunteer advocacy on behalf of endangered sea turtles. Eco-philanthropist extraordinaire Ted Turner has been harshly criticized for his part in re-wilding the West. The most maddening tale of derailed eco-ingenuity is the sabotaging of Andy Frank’s plug-in hybrid car; the most encouraging story is that of a gutsy not-for-profit, the Center for Biological Diversity. A dramatic, insightful history of environmental conflicts and breakthroughs threaded through timely and inspiriting profiles in courage and creativity. --Donna Seaman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Ecco (March 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006135029X
• ISBN-13: 978-0061350290
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #121,195 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #37 in	Books > Science > Chemistry > Environmental
  #43 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Conservation > Environmentalism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, March 11, 2009

By	Kristen M. Wares "bookworm" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read this compelling book!!, August 21, 2009

By	Josie Jean (Maplewood, MN USA) - See all my reviews

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two books in One- Eco philanthrophist and tech visionaries, August 16, 2009

By	Ted Magnuson "author of The Moses Probe" (Oregon, Western USA) - See all my reviews

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.