Join the Carrotmob and Help a Local Business Become More Energy Efficient
Posted by Chad Norman April 7th, 2009 .
If you’ve ever wanted to directly support the green initiatives of a local business, now’s your chance! This Saturday, April 11th, Carrotmob Charleston will be in action at Queen Street Grocery (map | street view).
We often talk about “voting with our dollars” when it comes to green purchasing, but it’s often difficult to see the impact of these small actions. Carrotmob solves that problem by organizing people who care about the environment, and using their collective buying power to negotiate with businesses who want to “green up”. Carrotmob Charleston has decided to focus its attention on Queen Street Grocery, who has pledged to reinvest 33% of their sales on April 11 towards improving their energy efficiency. That rocks!
The Carrotmob movement started in San Francisco, and is spreading around the world. The program is successful on many levels: Encouraging green behavior in businesses, fostering community involvement, supporting local business, and drawing attention to environmental issues.
The idea was brought to the attention of Green Drinks Charleston, who saw an opportunity and ran with it. Thanks to their support, along with Carolina’s Eco-Unit, the event is taking place on Saturday, April 11th. All you need to do is show up and buy something - pretty simple!
The Farmers Market in Marion Square also kicks off on Saturday, so there’s plenty of reasons to hit the peninsula and get your green on.
Here’s one of the first of many local videos:
charleston carrotmob is in full effect from Justin Nathanson on Vimeo.














what a day. thanks everyone for coming out and supporting. charleston, you are awesome.
stay tuned for some follow up videos - through the green retrofit. and beyond!
love this site. keep keepin’ it real.
peace,
justin
the cut company
Can’t wait to see the videos Justin, and thanks for the kind words! I posted some pics on Flickr: http://bit.ly/vSAg
WOW!!!! That was something great to be a part of…. I loved meeting and working with everyone involved and we look forward to hooking up QSG to increased Energy Star levels of efficiency…. Big ups to Justin and cut crew, digitel, and the whole gang….
DruzieTv was glad to be there and support this great cause.
It wasn’t bad either that we got to snack on some great crepes.
Loved it.
D
Justin,
You’ve got the touch.
Keep up the good work.
SnD
Sorry in advance for the late post. Two comments: First, I get that “Carrotmob is a method of activism that leverages consumer power to make the most socially-responsible business practices also the most profitable choices…” However, why is it that the Carrotmob network of consumers only focus on those businesses selling products? I’m sure there are many small businesses, including mine, start-up’s and individuals throughout the Charleston area that provide/offer services and would love to participate. Will this possibly be integrated down the road? Or wouldn’t a business/individual providing a service be able to withstand/endure the “Mob” effect?
Second, the most important comment I wanted to make was to give congrats to everyone that came out to support QSG’s cause/bid. It was awesome to see all the people. Also, Justin, great video.