Meeting demands for reduced carbon footprint and more social responsibility creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs.
While some complain about tree-huggers taking over the world or debate the reality of climate change, smart entrepreneurs are creating businesses that are green, socially responsible, profitable, and growing.
They have vision.
The founders of TygaBox Systems replaced something that irritated them personally - packing and unpacking cardboard boxes every time they moved - into a profitable business.
Entrepreneurs see what others miss: Is this an opportunity or an obstacle? Or, in the case of Terracycle, is this a pile of garbage or a tote bag in the rough? The company now sells 178 products in stores, such as Target and Home Depot. What are those products made from? Recycled candy wrappers, yogurt containers, and e-waste, among other things.
Or Sweet Riot chocolate, which took a serious look at chocolate guilt and came up with individual portions to help people's will power. At the same time, the owners set up an eco-friendly, socially responsible supply line, all the way from South America to New York.
They have a double niche market: Those who love chocolate and hate gaining weight, and those who want to buy products that are made in a socially responsible manner. It's a built-in marketing double-header.
The common factor in all three businesses is: creativity combined with business skills to make a better world.
Look around you: What irks you? What doesn't fit the "cleaner environment, better society" model? Get creative! You might be able to build a business and save a piece of the world at the same time. It's called "Doing well while doing good."
And research shows that it really works: Socially responsible enterprises have a green future.
By Geri Stengel
While some complain about tree-huggers taking over the world or debate the reality of climate change, smart entrepreneurs are creating businesses that are green, socially responsible, profitable, and growing.
They have vision.
The founders of TygaBox Systems replaced something that irritated them personally - packing and unpacking cardboard boxes every time they moved - into a profitable business.
Entrepreneurs see what others miss: Is this an opportunity or an obstacle? Or, in the case of Terracycle, is this a pile of garbage or a tote bag in the rough? The company now sells 178 products in stores, such as Target and Home Depot. What are those products made from? Recycled candy wrappers, yogurt containers, and e-waste, among other things.
Or Sweet Riot chocolate, which took a serious look at chocolate guilt and came up with individual portions to help people's will power. At the same time, the owners set up an eco-friendly, socially responsible supply line, all the way from South America to New York.
They have a double niche market: Those who love chocolate and hate gaining weight, and those who want to buy products that are made in a socially responsible manner. It's a built-in marketing double-header.
The common factor in all three businesses is: creativity combined with business skills to make a better world.
Look around you: What irks you? What doesn't fit the "cleaner environment, better society" model? Get creative! You might be able to build a business and save a piece of the world at the same time. It's called "Doing well while doing good."
And research shows that it really works: Socially responsible enterprises have a green future.
By Geri Stengel
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar