Stirring It Up: How to Make Money and Save the World Hardcover – January 8, 2008

When a CEO—or in this case a CE-Yo—writes a book about the philosophical and environmental underpinnings of the company he founded, it is natural to expect an ego-driven text. But Hirshberg, founder of Stonyfield Farm, the organic yogurt maker, dilutes the ego with eco. After all, this is a book that presents management lessons gleaned from life on a farm: in one such lesson, a herd of hungry pigs attacks a mound of damaged plastic yogurt cups, devours the contents and teaches Hirschberg nature's idea of recycling. While there is some cultured finger-pointing at big-name competitors and other corporations for organic abstinence and environmental insensitivity, Hirshberg focuses on how Stonyfield succeeds in pursuing sustainability and profitability—not to mention valuable shelf space alongside giants like Kraft and Yoplait. But in addition to describing how his company addresses such tasks as negating its own carbon footprint or establishing a handshake with the consumer in lieu of advertising, Hirshberg shares stories of similar successes at other companies, including Whole Foods, Timberland and, more recently, at Zipcar. Hirshberg has produced a manual of use for managers at any size company with an earnest interest in learning how to save the world while enriching employees and shareholders. (Jan.)
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"It turns out that Americans can change the world one person at a time by doing what we do best: consuming consciously. Stirring It Up is really about how you can force business to behave better, simply by buying with your values, not just your money. And it works! -- Howard Dean, former governor of Vermont

"Most `CEO books' have a single focus: how to make more money. By broadening his goals to include sustainability, Gary Hirshberg is able to make any would-be entrepreneur think more deeply about what success will look like. As the world begins the process of downsizing from corporate gigantism to local economies that reflect the environmental realities of our new century, this book offers some important insight into the next stages on that journey." -- Bill McKibben, author Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and The Durable Future

"This is a must-read for every CEO of every company, big or small, who understands that a profitable company and a sustainable environment are mutually dependent." -- Tom Vilsack, former governor of Iowa

Gary Hirshberg dared to dream new ways of doing business based on respect for customers, employees, and the earth. And, it worked. If you buy or sell anything, or simply want to feel hopeful about the future, this lively and legitimately optimistic book is worth every minute. -- Robert Redford

Gary Hirshberg has done a masterful job telling the stories of cutting-edge companies that have found a way to increase profits and environmental sustainability at the same time. -- Ben Cohen, cofounder of Ben & Jerrys, chairman of Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities

Gary Hirshberg has seen the future and it is green! Read how he did it, and follow his every word! -- Laurie David, producer, author, global warming activist

Gary Hirshberg is an environmental activist, a leader in the organic movement, a successful businessman--and an optimist. In this provocative book, Hirshberg argues that market forces can save the world, instead of destroying it. I hope he's right. -- Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation

Gary Hirshberg is the real deal. He not only talks sustainability, he does sustainability. Now, in Stirring It Up, he shares with great clarity both his wisdom and his penchant for action. -- Ray C. Anderson, founder and chair of Interface, Inc.