Impact is a word that is typically linked to negative connotation, although it really refers to a short or long term change caused by X. Think of the impact of environmental catastrophe. But then, think of the impact of micro-loans in developing countries. Enabling and empowering can have limitless positive impact. Education - one word that says so much - is a great example of that.
In today's world, more people are becoming aware of their environmental impact. An increasing number of businesses are using a series of indicators linked to impact. Such as with the 'Carbon Footprint'. "We manage what we measure" is a saying that just reflects a basic principle. Such as - you drive in the direction you are you looking at. These numbers are used to establish targets, to create change, sometimes even before properly estimating what is feasible and what we have the resources to support. Meanwhile, this backcasting method can also lead to more ambitious change.
The fact is, everything has an environmental impact. It is a necessary evil to.. well.. life. I wrote a previous piece on the topic. If we cannot eliminate our impact, then what is a reasonable target?
But wait, instead of trying to be more religious than God himself, what if we approached things from a different angle, one that is limitless, inspiring, positive, creative.. ? One that allowed us to be, impacts included, and capitalised on all our human talents - to create, nurture, improve, etc.
Greg Norris, a former colleague, is an exceptionally inspired person. He once had the opportunity to explain Life Cycle Assessment (environmental footprinting) to the Dalai Lama himself (seen here). He also traveled to Bhutan to get a better understanding of the calculation behind the Index of Happiness and how these ideas are put in practice. It has been greatly discussed in today's ideology, that measurements of success based on economic growth are contradictory to the very definitions of sustainability. If Human Wealth (well being and happiness) is the ultimate goal, than why focus on one mean (financial wealth) instead of the goal itself.
I digress again. Greg, supported by Harvard's network, is now working on building NetPositive Enterprises (video). In his professional journey, he created the concept of the Handprint, which is essentially the opposite of the conventional Footprint. Whereas the latter looks at the direct impact of your actions on the environment (such as the quantity (kg) of CO2 produced by a manufactured item), the handprint looks at the positive impact of your actions with respect to sustainability. The main difference is, this aspect is limitless. There are no limits to the social and environmental wealth you can create and inspire, really.
Take for example the case of Pocheco, a French envelope producing company that has virtually turned the direction around on all types of impact its type of business is typically responsible for. (video in FR) Cutting trees? It plants 4 x what is cut. Energy? It produces more than it uses. Waste? Everything is used and reused. Particles? Absorbed by the green roof, which also traps rain water for plant use. Chemicals? All natural products, streams of which are naturally biodegraded on-land. It's a beautiful story, an inspiring one. Circularity and positive impact does not have to be limited to exceptions. We are all capable of changing our ways and inspiring others.
Go on, be inspired. Help create value. Do your best. Collaborate. Inspire. ... Others will follow.
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