Jim Brumm: Long-Term Thinking for a Short-Sighted World

In a refreshing twist to the policy of boycotting businesses that are acting irresponsibly, a new organization, Carrotmob, offers an alternative. Instead of punishing those businesses that are acting badly, Carrotmob advocates rewarding those businesses that are doing the right thing, offering a carrot instead of a stick. Organized from their Web site, http://carrotmob.org/, consumers and activists can band together with like-minded people to “mob” businesses. According to their Web site, their first-ever Carrotmob event revolved around a liquor store that agreed to invest in upgrades to make the building more energy efficient. Hundreds of Carrotmob supporters showed up to support and reward the store’s owner.

Instead of chanting, passing out leaflets, organizing protests, or acting in anger, Carrotmob provides a positive feedback method of encouraging businesses to go green, or treat their employees better. Go to their Web site if you’re interested in organizing a Carrotmob event in your neck of the woods, or joining one. It beats walking around all day with megaphones and signs.