Do environmental and business sustainability go hand in hand? w/ John Engelander - EP172

Economics Explored

Planet Earth Cleaning Co. and Ecobin founder John Engelander proposes that environmental and business sustainability can go hand-in-hand. Show host Gene Tunny asks John about the benefits and costs of businesses adopting more environmentally-friendly practices.

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What we discuss with John Engelander, founder of Planet Earth Cleaning Co. and Ecobin

• John’s epiphany that led to the birth of the Planet Earth Cleaning Company [4:15]
• What are the costs and benefits of adopting environmentally friendly business practices? [8:00]
• “It’s not an investment if it is destroying the planet” discussion, in which Gene mentions how economics has been trying to account for environmental impacts [20:38]
• Do we have enough time to avoid a climate/environmental crisis? [25:50]
• John asks Gene if we need to own cars? [33:54]
• John’s final thoughts on the importance of being a conscious consumer [44:29]

About this episode’s guest: John Engelander

A true force of nature, CEO & Founder John was green way before it was cool. It was his belief in profit with a purpose that led him to start The Planet Earth Cleaning Company circa 1994, and he has been inspiring people and companies to be greener and better for the planet ever since.

In 2007, John completed his certificate in Sustainability Advocacy at Swinburne University. He believes, “when you look after the planet, you look after yourself”. When we influence others to take responsible actions there is a ripple effect. And that’s part of doing good by being good.

Today, John works with people that are looking for a healthier alternative & genuinely cares about making a difference to the planet, whether that’s through The Planet Earth Cleaning Company, the EcoBin business, or his personal advocacy & public speaking. John believes “conscious consumption is a great way to start. Afterall, less is more, and your planet will be healthier for it.” Now that’s good for business.

Out of the office John burns off some of his high energy levels with water sports, snow skiing, mountain bike riding, cardio pilates and enjoying time in nature. And when not running after his kids and dogs, he likes to tinker on the piano, watch movies and have dinner with friends.

Links relevant to the conversation

John’s business EcoBin:

https://www.ecobin.com.au/

Quote by Vandana Shiva:

https://quotefancy.com/quote/925201/Vandana-Shiva-It-s-not-an-investment-if-its-destroying-the-planet

Mastercard study quoted by Gene:

https://www.mastercard.com/news/insights/2021/consumer-attitudes-environment/

CSIRO article on natural capital accounting:

https://ecos.csiro.au/knowing-the-price-of-nature-the-rise-of-natural-capital-accounting/

UN article on The Rise, Fall and Rethinking of Green GDP:

https://seea.un.org/news/rise-fall-and-rethinking-green-gdp

Australian Government guidance note on cost-benefit analysis, which makes it clear CBAs should consider environmental impacts, quantitatively if possible but otherwise qualitatively:

https://www.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/cosst-benefit-analysis.docx

Credits

Thanks to Obsidian Productions for mixing the episode and to the show’s sponsor, Gene’s consultancy business www.adepteconomics.com.au.