The document discusses thinking ecologically and achieving sustainability by mimicking nature. It defines an ecosystem as an area where living entities interact interdependently to allow the flow of energy and materials in a way that supports life. Key aspects of ecosystems include dynamic structure and balance, interdependence, and self-organization aimed at a shared purpose of supporting life. The document advocates applying simple rules constantly to test, evaluate, and select approaches that move closer to the desired outcome of sustainability. It suggests that involving all stakeholders supports relationships, communication, and a shared vision of creating conditions that support life.

1. Thinking Ecologically Presented by Kathryn Alexander Ethical Impact L3C

2. Th e point of achieving sustainability is to mimic nature & therefore ensure the ability of the human race & all life on the planet survive and thrive for the next 10,000 years.

3. Life has existed for 3.7 billion years - humans for 5 million. Can we make another 5 million?

4. Changing How We Think

5. Ecological Thinking Parts vs. Wholes Objects vs. Relationship Hierarchies vs. Networks Structure vs. Process Time: Destination vs. Journey

6. Some Sustainable Values that Support this Shift:

7. Nature creates the conditions that support life Interdependence Diversity Reciprocity Integrity of the Whole

8. Ecosystem

9. A defined area that includes a diverse collection of living entities that interact in an interdependent way that allows for the flow of energy & material to cascade through the system ~

10. ~in a manner that minimizes energy loss, produces no waste & that continuously produces the conditions that support life.

11. Characterized by: Dynamic Structure - flexible & responsive to continuous small changes Dynamic Balance – resilience

12. Characterized by: Interdependence Free Flow of Information Self-Organization

13. Characterized by: Shared purpose - continue to create the conditions that support life - Ecological, physical, moral, spiritual, i.e. sustainable

14. Walking Tree

15. Can move up to 7 feet a year Responsive to local conditions Adaptive to changing conditions (small continuous contributions & interactions among many entities)

16. Simple Rules - applied constantly and consistently Test, Evaluate, Select, Repeat

17. Test, experiment - choose those results closest to the desired outcome & expand on them. No territory to protect, focus on shared value & be mutually supportive.

18. Having the whole system in the room supports:

19. Relationships Communication & information flow Being mutually supportive & interdependent Shared purpose & vision - bringing back the integrity of work & Creating the conditions that support Life!

20. Your company CAN make this shift! Contact us to discover new options, find improvement possibilities and reduce costs!

21. Ethical Impact L3C

22. 888-331-7492 [email_address] www.ethicalimpact.com