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The times they are a-changin'. Some Jewish folk singer from Minnesota said that in the 60s, and it turns out it's still true today. For instance—in the '60s, one of the go-to forms of civil disobedience was the boycott. Now, hardly anyone pays attention to a good boycott, especially for green causes. No, an entirely new kind of activism is in order. How about say, a reverse boycott?
That's where Carrotmob comes in.
Carrotmob is hands down one of the best models for activism there is—it's completely innovative in that instantly-understandable why-didn't-I-think-of-that sort of way. Its premise is beautifully simple: businesses sign up for Carrotmob, which involves making some sort of green commitment like installing more energy efficient equipment. In return, Carrot Mob arranges for a veritable mob of people to show up to support the business. It's the best kind of conspicuous consumption.
See? Reverse boycott. Instead of shunning companies that do ill, Carrot Mob has created a huge incentive for businesses to do good. And usually, the mobbers win, too—businesses often agree to give discounted goods on the Mob day.
So let's see—business goes green. Consumers get cheaper stuff. Business gets exposure and makes a profit in the process. It's brilliant, brilliant simplicity.
As you can tell, there are absolutely no disadvantages to participating in Carrotmob (unless you count showing up somewhere for cheap stuff a hassle). Which is why joining the Mob might be the easiest and most effective kind of green activism you can do.
So head over to CarrotMob's website, and see about joining an activist movement for the 21st century. Before the times change again.
More on Carrotmob:
Vancouver 'Podmob" Brings The Carrotmob Concept To Sustainable Sushi
Viv Puts Consumer Power to Positive Effect...It's Like Carrotmob 2.0
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