Business and ecology can go hand-in-hand, according to Professor Gunter Pauli, an international educator on environmnentally-forward business innovations who has embarked on projects such as making cookies from algae for malnourished children.

Pauli gave a guest lecture at the Haas School of Business yesterday in which he spoke about the importance of using innovative ideas in business-not just to improve marketing, but also to create environmentally-friendly initiatives.

"You can't pollute. There's no compromise on the bad," Pauli said. "This is what I believe in business. This is why I started the campaign for zero waste, zero emissions."

As an experienced entrepreneur, Pauli spoke about how waste accumulated by businesses can be used for other philanthropic programs. He founded the Zero Emissions Research Initiative Foundation, which spearheads the campaign and acts as a mediator between those with innovative business ideas and those who are experienced businesspersons.

"Use the market in order to do good," Pauli said. "Who said sustainability doesn't pay? It defies capitalistic ideals, but I'm being as capitalistic as I can."

Besides his project to make cookies from algae, the educator also taught children in Japan and Brazil that electricity can be made from banana peels and eggshells in order to encourage the youth to live sustainably.

Pauli said integrating fields like physics, biology and chemistry is crucial for businesspersons looking to reduce their company's waste and to increase efficiency. He went on to say the use of metals for electricity over the years has reduced society's ability to remain sustainable.

In an effort to increase business effectiveness and reduce waste, Pauli helped initiate a program that used the hardwood from unused coffee grounds to help grow shiitake mushrooms. Although the idea was rejected by Starbucks, entrepreneurs in other countries like Zimbabwe and Colombia have been using this idea to improve their farming, he said.

"Actually, I'm from Colombia," said senior Alejandro Velez, a business major. "It's impressive to see somebody say it's not all about philanthropy and capitalism but also about coming together."

Pauli said that in his own companies he has instituted extensive carpooling policies and advertising campaigns that promote environmentally-friendly ideals.

"It was really refreshing to see how he showed us ideas outside of the textbook, considering how so far the business ethics class has only been based on models," said Ami Yoon, a junior majoring in business and economics.

While Pauli provided examples of innovative business ideas that better the environment, he also encouraged business students to find their own ideas.

"My plea, my passionate plea, to you is to be an innovator," Pauli said. "Think positive."

Tags: HAAS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS