The Ecology of Commerce Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 6, The Size Thing Summary

Chapter 6, The Size Thing Summary and Analysis

There are two problems in the modern economy: size and scale. These problems function as a barrier to the establishment of taxes and a restorative economy. The distinction between large and small is $100 million in sales. Markets today are global and many companies are multinationals. It is easy for firms to shift money around the globe. Most money in financial markets in the world is used for financing multinational activities and growth. Corporations don't care about habitats or ecosystems. They care about the money they makes.

External costs are not a part of production costs or prices. The more externalization occurs, the more profitable the country is. Internalization of costs can be brought about by a Pigouvian tax. Hawken examines the function of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The GATT is a body of international traders whose purpose is to promote free trade. As such it...
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