Invested in the Common Good: Oral Testimony and Community Development

Combining personal experiences with contributions by other activists, Meeker-Lowry outlines the destructive impact of industry and technological advancement on the world's natural resources. For readers convinced of the argument, Meeker-Lowry offers advice on making a difference from evaluating investment goals and finding companies that meet those goals to organizing a boycott or simply writing an effective letter to a corporate executive. Finally, there are numerous case histories of projects from agricultural ventures to minority banks that are effectively working for the ``common good'' and an extensive resource list of organizations involved in environmental, spiritual and social investments. Although there is an interest in this subject, so effectively discussed in The Soul of a Business by Tom Chappell, founder of Tom's of Maine, this book is most appropriate for readers who want a refresher course in the basics of socially conscious activities. Meeker-Lowry's style is inspirational, occasionally verging on soapy and doesn't always blend with the disparate styles of other contributions (some originally intended for another book that was never published). This book probably won't convert readers to activism but will be useful for those already concerned with environmental issues. (Oct.)