How often do you meet a highly educated writer who’s a goat farmer and a media executive?

Bryan Welch is that guy.

He has a master’s degree from Harvard and is the publisher of Mother Earth News. In his new book “Beautiful and Abundant: Building the World We Want,” he optimistically explains how sustainability is possible without the normal doom and gloom we hear.

He lays out his vision for what he expects — and hopes — the world will look like in 200 years and describes why he thinks humans want the world to be a better, more meaningful place to live.

Plus, is big business at odds with sustainability? Bryan explains how consumers have the power to create an environmentally responsible system of business. 

Bryan also offers tips for small, first steps you can take to encourage long-term sustainability.