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Seeing Green: How to Save the Planet and Profit from Sustainability

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Are you looking for a new approach to ESG, environmental consciousness, and going green for business and industry leaders? Seeing Green: How to Save the Planet and Profit from Sustainability combines the pursuit of profit and the urgent need to protect our planet. In this entertaining, educational, and inspirational book, visionary CEO, Angel Lance shares her story and unconventional approach to making homes, businesses, and industries more green for profit and the environment.

In Seeing Green, Lance reveals how she used her over twenty years of management consulting experience to transform her business to be ESG compliant and environmentally conscious, start nonprofit foundations to support her passion for environmental action, transform a farm from traditional to regenerative, and unite utilities in decarbonization efforts. Lance has earned a reputation as an ESG thought-leader who celebrates the power of creativity and innovation to find win-win solutions for both business success and environmental sustainability.

Seeing Green offers:
Practical actions for going green at home, in the office, or across an industry that you can take right now
Triple-win solutions that explain how you can enjoy financial success, improve your quality of life, and contribute to the greater good through environmental practices
Examples from Lance’s personal experience told in Lance’s uniquely accessible and witty tone

Join Lance on her captivating journey as she introduces a fresh approach to ESG, environmental consciousness, and going green that challenges the notion that environmental sustainability and profitability are mutually exclusive.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2023

17 people are currently reading
1263 people want to read

About the author

Angel Lance

1 book2 followers

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5 stars
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18 (31%)
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23 (40%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Ranna (Ray) Marie.
120 reviews
September 23, 2024
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway, and it has been helpful, informative, and fun to read! Over the past couple of years I have been making changes in my personal life to become more eco conscious, but needed something, as a guide of sorts, to help me as I slowly make way towards a sustainable business.
I’ve been reading chapters here and there, and have grown a lot. It’s honestly been a blessing to have won this book when I needed it.
Profile Image for Margarita Garcia.
1,042 reviews22 followers
March 8, 2024
Useful book

Having a business and caring about the environment doesn't have to be two separate things. ''Seeing Green'' is a book that shows us how we can maintain our company and implement ESG standards, to obtain benefits by helping the environment. This book offers important and interesting tips to apply, to obtain benefits. With this book, you will help the planet and your company. I found this book useful and compelling because of all the experiences the author has. I really recommend reading it!
144 reviews27 followers
January 29, 2024
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

While I do admire the authors efforts toward decarbonization through her companies, it felt a little unreachable for the average person. The average person barely has a Tesla let alone several companies, the finances, and the time to create and commit to a farm. I do admire her confidence, the steps she recommends for the budding savvy composter, and how easy it was to understand what she was doing and how. I didn’t find her jokes that funny, it felt forced. But it definitely broke down the book and made it for an easier read.
Profile Image for Liam Brosnan.
14 reviews
August 22, 2024
I had pretty mixed feelings about this book. I ultimately enjoyed reading it, but I often felt confused about who exactly it was addressing. Lance left it open and gave the presumption that it was addressed at everyone, from average citizen up to CEO, and gave lists/suggestions for every one, but the majority of the weight felt targeted towards those with real wealth/power.

Which is totally fine, but as someone without those kinds of resources, it felt all a little out of my reach. The overall feeling was optimistic/hopeful, but as most of the meaningful changes/actions felt targeted towards the higher echelon, I often felt a little helpless. The idea that positive change is solely in the hands of the powerful didn't exactly fill me with optimism, despite the positive, bordering on naive, language. I'll use paper straws and compost, but it feels like a drop in the bucket while Brian Niccol commutes to work in a private jet. Still, I do believe in the power of collective thinking/influence, which Lance encourages, but ultimately its up to them.

From the CEO point of view, it definitely seemed worth the read. The author speaks their language often selling positive change for the common good as simultaneously self-interest/beneficial, and therefore worth it. Its the right angle to take, and her arguments for it are convincing, and refreshing. Some border on naive, but it's realistically hopeful.

And despite the target audience, they did do a good job of being relatable across the board. I was able to sympathize/relate to the anecdotes/thought processes they suggests, despite not having near the resources/opportunities they have. It was eye-opening and thought provoking thinking, and while at times ostentatious, I feel they did the best they could give the broad audiences.

It was a nice, easy (though not necessarily a "must") read for us lay-folks, while seemingly an inspiring/eye-opening/optimistic read for those with real resources/power. Here's hoping the message reaches them.
64 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2024
As someone deeply interested in environmental sustainability and its intersection with business practices, "Seeing Green: How to Save the Planet and Profit from Sustainability" immediately caught my attention. Authored by visionary CEO Angel Lance, the book offers a refreshing perspective on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, blending the pursuit of profit with the imperative to protect our planet.

Lance's personal journey and unconventional approach to integrating environmental consciousness into her business ventures are both inspiring and educational. Drawing from her extensive experience in management consulting, she provides practical insights and actionable strategies for individuals and industries alike to adopt environmentally friendly practices while still achieving financial success.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on triple-win solutions, highlighting how businesses and individuals can simultaneously benefit financially, improve their quality of life, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Through Lance's witty and accessible storytelling, readers are not only informed but also entertained, making complex concepts more digestible and relatable. Furthermore, I appreciate Lance's commitment to innovation and creativity in finding win-win solutions for both business success and environmental sustainability. Her initiatives, such as starting nonprofit foundations and spearheading decarbonization efforts, demonstrate the power of entrepreneurship in driving positive change.
Profile Image for Terri.
Author 16 books37 followers
January 1, 2026
Seeing Green is part how-to, part personal narrative of someone who has the will to do what they can to help the environment for now and in the future. The biggest part of this book is how Angel Lance saw an opportunity to turn Oklahoma farmland into something sustainable and good for the environment while still looking for ways to turn a profit.

The issue with this book is that is doesn't know what it wants to be. Is it a guide for readers to pick up their own environmental actions? Is it an entrepreneur's humble brag? Many of the actions that Lance took to help save the planet are unattainable for the average person. Most of us don't have the money to invest in a sustainable farm, nor can we take the risk if the first few attempts at profit fail. Yes, the author does include some low-level ideas for changing daily habits and purchases to make things more sustainable, but it is important to note that aspects of sustainability such as truly recyclable packaging or high-quality sustainable products do come with a higher initial cost, which is a moot point in the current economic climate.

What this book unfortunately points out for the average person that wants to be more sustainable is that while economics are trickle-down, pushing environmental change is often trickle-up. It is still pushed upon the average person to make daily sacrifices while big corporations can buy their way out of changing to more sustainable models because that might cost them a small slice of profit.

*Book provided by NetGalley
Profile Image for Natalie Susa.
334 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2024
This was better than I expected it to be. Much of the writing was funny and relatable, which is what surprised me most because this is coming from a big rich CEO and I have to say some of it was a bit disconnected from reality like just randomly spending money on a house off the grid and not consulting experts. But if this is what gets other rich people to care about the environment then I am all for it. I do think she focused a little too much on the population as a whole and grouped people of all classes as one with similar responsibilities which I do not agree with. Those in poverty barely keeping their head above water cannot be expected to care about minor changes. Much of what the author talks about involves spending more money to save money in the long run which is just not feasible for many. I am glad that she is personally making strides to off set her carbon footprint but not willing to give certain amenities up is not going to convince those that also use them to detrimental extents to change their ways at the very least or offset their carbon emissions as well because that is even more money coming out of their pockets.
Profile Image for Bri.
25 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2023
I can understand the passion the author has for paying attention to what we can do to help save our planet in the condition that it is in. I really appreciated the work she is doing and has done to make an effort to let others know that they can help to conserve what we have left of our world before it gets worse in the future. With that being said I am not sure just how many people will take this book seriously and actually consume the knowledge that's laid out. In reality not many people will take to heart the fact that the world we live in is suffering, and this book is giving a few key points on what we can do to help it in our own ways. But how many people are really willing to open their eyes and read it. I hope those that read this book at least take into mind her tips on being a conscious consumer, at least be mindful of the purchases you make and how powerful consumerism is. I give it a 4 because of the passion the writer has, you can tell in each page this is something she really wanted to get out to everyone for the betterment of our climate.
272 reviews
January 25, 2024
There are some benefits to this book - there is a lot of information through the author's experience and if you learn by example, this would be helpful.

Most of us will not go purchase a farm in Oaklahoma, so in order to apply much of the knowledge, I recommend taking it up a level. She teaches how to think outside the box, and mentions that entrepreneurs are already skilled at this. It's doing research, listening to others and being adept at talking to people in a versatile way that is a win-win.

As a questioning aside, the biggest benefit of her farm has got to be in what she's able to teach and share with others. Because the size farm cannot actually produce more benefit to the environment than all the flights for her and everyone else she brings there.

I received this book as a giveaway.
Profile Image for Nancy Retallick, Ph.D..
498 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2024
Action-based solutions wanted

This is a journey through the author’s personal experience discussing humanity’s responsibility in preserving the environment. Lance reflects on humanity’s impact on the planet. She draws on her experiences at Rainmaker Farm and her advocacy work with the National Public Utility Council.

High five to Angel Lance. I too believe that taking care of the planet really is everyone’s responsibility and everyone needs to contribute. Lance offers her knowledge on sustainability and is asking for others to provide action-based solutions. The author isn’t preaching that things must be done her way. She is encouraging others to contribute their perspectives and alternate solutions for inclusive sustainability. She highlights the importance of individual and collective efforts in shaping a sustainable future.

Profile Image for Valen.
47 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2023
This book has a lot of good ideas, but it is filled with a lot of their personal life stories and odd information bits. I love that the author wants everyone to be educated and gives many facts, but what falls short is how much is about farming with more land than most have. I really wanted to hear more tips the average person can do who lives on a normal plot of land. Things that save me money. The idea of rain water barrels was a great example she gave. Breaking down how much water an average family consumes and some things you must be mindful of to not contaminate your water. Things like a metal roof. That's the stuff I wanted to hear about. It's a shame you have to dig through so much farming and stories about her Pomy Samdy to get these pieces of info.
Profile Image for Píaras Cíonnaoíth.
Author 143 books206 followers
November 12, 2023
Saving the planet while profiting from sustainability...

"Seeing Green: How to Save the Planet and Profit from Sustainability" by Angel Lance offers a groundbreaking approach to making businesses and industries more sustainable while enhancing profits. Drawing on over two decades of management consulting experience, Lance presents practical actions for achieving environmental consciousness and ESG compliance. This book provides triple-win solutions that combine financial success, improved quality of life, and environmental contributions. Lance's accessible and engaging storytelling challenges the notion that sustainability and profitability can't coexist, making it a must-read for business leaders.
1 review
October 24, 2023
Funny stories highlighting how changing your mindset at home and in business can put us on the right track to improving this downward climate trend. I certainly picked up many ideas on what I can do to be a part of the solution. I also was reminded that being a human means understanding that all humans have an opinion and that’s okay if we don’t agree on all things, because ultimately we have much more in common than not. Many examples in this book highlighting that when we try to learn from others as opposed only communicate to prove our thinking is right, we can start to understand each others perspective and get things done.
Profile Image for Almiria.
757 reviews10 followers
March 4, 2024
Seeing Green by Angel Lance is a book that everyone should be reading. CEO Angel Lance shares her strategies for being environmentally conscious, going green AND saving money and becoming more profitable as a business. She explains simple but effective strategies anyone can implement at home and at work to be more eco-friendly. She explains how she became known as a visionary CEO who manages to combine profitability with protecting our environment (and, ultimately, ourselves). Best of all, she gives advice and shares her experiences in an entertaining and humorous way, making this book not only highly useful and necessary but also fun and entertaining. I am giving it five out of five stars.
Profile Image for Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy.
817 reviews19 followers
March 8, 2024
A book to become conscious!

“Seeing Green” is a book to become aware! highly recommended. If you are looking to become more environmentally conscious but from a less individual and more corporate company level perspective, this book is perfect for you.
It is a very complete book, through which the author shares with us from her experience corporate and personal strategies to take care of the environment not only at home but also in companies. It allows us to question the importance of caring for the environment and how that same care ends up having a positive impact on people's lives and can even bring economic benefits to companies.
Profile Image for Jess Conley.
215 reviews
October 24, 2023
Funny jokes and slightly informative

I won this book on goodreads, I didn't read about it, just assumed what to expect based on the book cover and name. I was surprised that there was a lot more in the book about farming and how the author makes decisions. I expected much more preachy and regular things a person might do. But this book is best for someone with land or into agriculture.
Profile Image for R.Z..
Author 7 books19 followers
November 12, 2023
"Seeing Green" attempts to summarize where we are in our attempt to turn around climate change and make our planet livable again. Author Lance uses informal and fun language to engage the relatively uninformed reader who doesn't keep up with more scientific publications. This book belongs in every high school and junior college library. It would also make a nice gift for any young person on your gift list.
Profile Image for Kimberly Tierney.
704 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2024
I read a lot of ecofriendly books so it is no surprise that I gravitated toward this one.
I loved this book because she:
1- Didn't use scientific jargon that she wasn't willing to explain.
2-Admitted the places where she failed
3-Wrote something approachable and realistic for someone like me who is trying to live a more ecofriendly and sustainable life while living on the outskirts of a major metropolitan area.
Profile Image for Santiago Flores.
1,049 reviews11 followers
March 29, 2024
A refreshing take on environmental sustainability.

The author's blend of business acumen and environmental advocacy provides practical insights for both profit and planet. I think her personal anecdotes and witty tone make the book engaging and relatable. While some concepts may not be entirely novel, Lance's innovative approach and actionable strategies offer valuable guidance for businesses and individuals alike.
1,485 reviews30 followers
May 23, 2024
Lots of me, me, me.

Seeing Green - I was bored with the fluff that I had to get through to the actual information. Was not impressed and did not learn much above what I already knew. Not realistic for the average or poorer populations, like everyone can own a large farm in OK, or elsewhere. Not a fun or humorous read nor did I care for the coarse language. Source: Won a GoodReads giveaway. 3*
350 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2023
great perspective on being environment conscious

Angel hits the nail on the head with this book. Her perspective that being “green” is not an all or nothing proposition. Every little step you take to reduce your carbon footprint counts. As more and more of us start doing that, we will see the cumulative effect.
Profile Image for Rocio.
343 reviews4 followers
March 19, 2024
Discovering "Seeing Green" was a pleasant surprise. I think the author shares her experiences in a practical way, showing how we can blend profits with environmental care. Her advice ranges from simple things at home to transformative changes in business. It's an essential and recommended read because it combines sustainability with the business world, taking care of nature.
Profile Image for Caro Rey.
261 reviews6 followers
April 18, 2024
Lance's innovative approach combines environmental consciousness with profitable strategies. Through her personal experiences and practical insights, she offers a fresh perspective on achieving both business success and sustainability. Highly recommended for its engaging narrative and valuable advice.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,358 reviews25 followers
March 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the author takes responsibility for being the ones in charge to find a solution to go green but at the same time make money. She talks about her own experience and how it is possible to do so. It is a very informative and entertaining read.
Profile Image for Janet.
1,473 reviews41 followers
December 6, 2023
This is very noteworthy. This was a Goodreads winner.
Profile Image for Daniel Moreno.
851 reviews16 followers
March 16, 2024
This empowering guide is a must-read

"Seeing Green" by Angel Lance provides business leaders with practical strategies to combat climate change while ensuring profitability. The book challenges the misconception that profitability and sustainability are mutually exclusive, offering a fresh perspective. With relatable anecdotes and a conversational tone, Lance demystifies environmental responsibility, emphasizing hope and actionable steps. This empowering guide is a must-read for those seeking a different approach to sustainability without compromising financial success.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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