Monthly Archives: August 2017

My Book, “Green Grades: Can Information Save the Earth?,” Available from MIT Press on Aug. 25!

Research

I’m pleased to announce that my new book from MIT Press, Green Grades: Can Information Save the Earth?, is coming out this Friday!  The book directly addresses the debate between “information pessimists” and “information optimists” over the effectiveness of the hundreds of eco-labels, environmental ratings, and sustainability certifications that have inundated our lives in recent years, from organic food to LEED-rated buildings to ENERGY STAR-certified appliances.  It provides a comprehensive analysis of these initiatives that is oriented not only to scholars but also practitioners and ordinary consumers and citizens.  It synthesizes micro and macro perspectives based on both quantitative and qualitative research involving a large and unique dataset of 245 ratings and labels, 68 stakeholder interviews, and in-depth case studies of particular industries and initiatives.

announcement about book with 30% off couponThe book also combines theoretical perspectives from a variety of academic disciplines with practical recommendations for scholars, policymakers, corporate executives, environmental advocates, and consumers and citizens.  It is based on both my academic background in environmental science, policy and management as well as my practical experiences in both the for-profit (as a co-founder of the venture-funded firm GoodGuide) and non-profit sectors (with The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, Resources for the Future, and Stony-Brook Milstone Watershed Association.  Filled with both insightful data and engaging vignettes, the book is designed to be useful and informative to a wide range of audiences that are interested in better understanding the phenomenon of “green grades.”

For a limited time starting now, you can use the discount code MGREEN30 for 30% off the list price.  Check it out if you’re interested…https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/green-grades.

Tenure at Davidson College!

Uncategorized

Davidson photoOn August 1, I officially became a tenured Associate Professor at Davidson College!  After six years of pushing through the tenure process, it was very rewarding to receive news earlier this spring from Davidson’s Dean of the Faculty, Wendy Raymond, that I would be granted tenure.  I appreciated having the opportunity to go through this process with my colleagues Jess Good, Brad Johnson, and Andrew O’Geen, who arrived at Davidson the same year I did and also received tenure.

All of my colleagues in the Political Science and Environmental Studies Departments (as well as in many other departments as well!) were incredibly supportive and helpful throughout the process, and I appreciate all of their advice and insights along the way.  Now having achieved this important milestone, I am looking forward to continuing to work with Davidson’s amazing students, faculty, and staff in a wide range of areas, from researching sustainability information to teaching environmental politics to encouraging greater civic engagement.  Stay tuned for further updates on these and other fronts…:)