We know we've asked you this before, but let's revisit the subject, because it's always an interesting one to discuss ...
Do you think that green consumerism can/will play a serious role in solving our environmental problems? What if we were talking about something more involved than buying a reusable tote bag? Something like targeted, organized green spending?
We're talking about Carrotmob -- a sort of green consumerism experiment.
According to WorldChanging, Carrotmob's first experiment (which took place at K&D Market in San Francisco's Mission district) was a raging success.
Here's how it works:
Businesses apply to be Carrotmobbed, understanding that in return they will be required to take proactive green steps. Carrotmob organizes a ...er... mob to descend upon the store at a given time. Shoppers buy and buy and buy the things that they need. Business applies 22% of those sales to do something green -- K&D purchased a new energy-efficient lighting system.
You can sign up to find out where the next Carrotmob will happen here (and watch a video of the first experiment).
What do you think? One time success? Program that should be modeled across the country?
Image via WorldChanging
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I think something like this can be successful. GM's decision to close down SUV factories (though I mourn the loss of those jobs) was the first time I saw that the way people spend money--and the way they react to gas prices or environmental needs-- really can make a difference.
That being said, I don't think true, honest-to-goodness save the planet change will happen without government interventions. Some people are simply not going to change their behaviors or buying practices.
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