Our Mission and The Hannover Principles
Abundant Earth provides products, services and information that ultimately work to further the creation of an ecologically sustainable culture. Such a future, we believe, is achievable only by
acknowledging the interconnectedness and inter-relatedness of all things, and then acting in ways to sustain and even enhance these relations. We choose to participate responsibly in such an endeavor by laying some
of the groundwork necessary for the transformations that must take place for the long-term survival of our species. It is our contention that the collective energy and creativity of the people of this world will
sustain a monumental global transformation of our global economic systems, from one of exploitation based on the principles of scarcity, to one of mutual collaboration based on the principles of ecological
abundance. At Abundant Earth, we believe the earth is capable of providing more than enough for everyone (abundance) when the ecological systems that sustain us are honored, supported and enhanced, rather than
neglected, abused, and destroyed.
This is the concept of ecological abundance we wish to share with our customers. We want to share the subtle beauty and fecundity of the earth�s bounty through the wonder of our ecologically sensitive and
healthy products and services. We know that together, we will make a difference. We know that together, we shall see the transformation of our society from one that exploits the earth, to one that thrives in
collaboration with the earth. We honor you for your courage and perseverance. We know it is difficult to do the �right� thing when so many of our collective values suggest we do otherwise.
The Hannover Principles
In honor of the mission we have expressed, we hereby adopt the Hannover Principles as designed by William McDonough Architects, as some of the fundamental principles which guide us on our journey.
1. Insist on the rights of humanity and nature to coexist in a healthy, supportive, diverse and sustainable condition.
2. Recognize interdependence. The elements of human design interact with and depend upon the natural world, with broad and diverse implications at every scale. Expand design considerations to recognize
even distant effects.
3. Respect relationships between spirit and matter. Consider all aspects of human settlement, including community, dwelling, industry and trade, in terms of existing and evolving connections between
spiritual and material consciousness.
4. Accept responsibility for the consequences of design decisions upon human well being, the viability of natural systems, and their right to coexist.
5. Create safe objects of long-term value. Do not burden future generations with requirements for maintenance of vigilant administration of potential danger due to the careless creation of products,
processes or standards.
6. Eliminate the concept of waste. Evaluate and optimize the full life cycle of products and processes, to approach the state of natural systems, in which there is no waste.
7. Rely on natural energy flows. Human designs should, like the living world, derive their creative forces from perpetual solar income. Incorporate this energy efficiently and safely for responsible
use.
8. Understand the limitations of design. No human creation lasts forever and design does not solve all problems. Those who create and plan should practice humility in the face of nature. Treat nature as
a model and mentor, not as an inconvenience to be evaded or controlled.
9. Seek constant improvement by the sharing of knowledge. Encourage direct and open communication between colleagues, patrons, manufacturers and users to link long term sustainable considerations with
ethical responsibility, and re-establish the integral relationship between natural processes and human activity
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