The Doughnut: An economic model that embeds social and environmental well-being
Imagine a world where all businesses will compete not only to be the best in the world, but to be the best for the world.
There is a growing recognition that businesses must play a larger and more significant role in addressing some of the most challenging issues our society is facing today. Businesses don’t just stand at the edge of the collective. Without the vast resources, both financial and human, as well as the global reach of large companies, it will be impossible to solve some of the world's most pressing problems.
“The economy is embedded within, and dependent upon, society and the living world”, says Elizabeth Uviebinené. That’s why its goal should be to meet the needs of all people within the means of this living planet instead of continuing to prioritise endless growth.
The Problem with Endless Growth
Growth isn't an infinite upward curve – we have to start asking ourselves what comes next. The truth is, that nothing grows forever. “Healthy systems in nature develop until they are grown, and then they thrive. We need to do the same”.
In her book Donut Economics Kate Rawsworth takes aim at the long-standing economic idea of endless growth. If we don't kick our addiction to growth, we'll end up destroying the planet. Never-ending economic expansion isn't just a dysfunctional idea – it's dangerous.
The Doughnut: A New Way of Thinking About Regenerative Economics
The Doughnut is a new way of thinking about regenerative economics in the twenty-first century. It's a concept that consists of two circles: the inside represents the social foundation, while the outside represents an ecological ceiling. Between these two circles is "a safe and just home for humanity." A place defined by dynamic balance. Within it, all our social needs can be met without overburdening the planet.
The Social Foundation
The social foundation includes everything that we humans need to live, not just basics like clean water and food, but also abstract social goods like support networks, a sense of community, political representation, and gender equality.
The Ecological Ceiling
The ecological ceiling is the boundary we have to respect if we want the earth to thrive. It's a "guardrail" to protect key environmental processes vital to our planet's ability to sustain human life. If we cross it, we risk environmental catastrophe.
The Doughnut in Action
Climate change, land conversion, and biodiversity loss are already well underway. We need to change the way we think about the world and unlearn our addiction to growth if we want to get humanity into the Doughnut.
By prioritizing the needs of both people and the planet, the Doughnut offers a framework for a more regenerative and equitable economic system — a new way of thinking about economics that values both social and ecological well-being.
✦
This got you curious? Are you asking yourself how you can apply this framework to the operating systems and strategies in your business or organization? Let’s chat!
We help organisations to navigate change towards a more life-centred culture + structure. Driven by our passion for new work and ethical innovation we support the process of:
✧ Creating regenerative business models + responsive organisations.
✧ Supporting organisations to build future-proof structures by implementing agile strategies and empowering their teams.
✧ Helping organisations + teams to strengthen their team culture and understand the strengths and potential of everyone in the workplace.
✧ Shaping a workplace culture that respects the needs of the individuals at work (+ society / the planet).
✧ Reframing/rethinking traditional leadership roles and redistributing work according to the employees strengths + potential.
✧ Building psychological safe spaces + feedback pathways.
✧ Building a more equal, diverse + inclusive workplace culture.
How organisational development works:
✧ Step One: Email us with request; introduce your organisation, purpose + needs.
✧ Step Two: We set up a call to clarify the challenge you’re facing + your goals.
✧ Step Three: We create + send a bespoke project proposal including agenda, goals, pricing quote, roadmap, topics + optional add-ons.
✧ Step Four: Upon acceptance of the proposal, we kick off the project following our agreed timeline including a series of workshops/training (digital or in person).
