An Eye for Green

Posted by nattiemoee on February 28, 2012 · 2 Comments 

There really is no reason that minimal funding and lack of expertise should hinder even the mere idea of a great event. Social Enterprises (my internship) steps in to help non-profits and sustainable social organizations to achieve a mission, a goal, and maybe even a dream of producing an impact worth repeating.

My workday is compiled with GoGreen’12 NYC, GoGreen ’12 Austin, and GoGreen ’12 Seattle. Which in my case is followed by “Speaker Opportunity” in all email subject lines. It is my world-twirling job to research, reach, and essentially screen potential speakers. It is the chance to reach top-notch individuals in the sustainability industry that really puts the smile on my face. Reaching people such as: Andrew Revkin (speaking in NYC ’12), Graham Hill (Speaking at NYC’12), and Ginni Rometty, – is astonishing.

Yes, I know that you have heard of “Go Green” because I know that consumers have been bombarded with it now for quite some time. I hope, however, that you continually believe that it is more then the products purchased or the stores supported. I hope that you truly believe that this is a lifestyle and ultimately a behavioral change. Going Green is by fact and demonstration more then just a phase.

With ever change comes a bit of humor. What is funny about today’s consumers and the “Go Green” initiative? Well, it is mind-boggling how despite our need to be different and individualistic how much people actually like to be told what to do. I think those that believe this initiative is poppy cot are really saying that it is too difficult. You actually want ME to know what to recycle? You actually want ME to read up on how to be better? You actually expect ME to figure this out on my own? You really feel MY daily routines are killing polar bears? The answer whether stated out loud or observed through actions/reactions is: why don’t you just tell me what to do.

Quick personally witnessed examples:
• You want me to recycle – please just put pictures of the products I would potentially be buying in the area on the garbage can.
• It would be helpful if you provided me with two separate garbage cans by color with pictures for my home use that would work to
• You want me to drive less – make driving a game where with a gauge that tells me just how much I am saving when I accelerate at the correct pace and only take right turns.
• You want me to use less water, give me a showerhead that reduces flow.
• You want me to pay attention to air pollution – make an app for that.

It is quite fair to say that society, as a whole is lazy. Every change needs to clearly illustrate convenience, ease, and cost effectiveness in order to alter the mind. One of the many things the GoGreen conference sets out to do is change minds or at least provides new perspectives.

What do I love about GoGreen Conference?

It is local!

Featuring local business both large and small, doing mega-jam things in their area brings green business leaders together to learn and embrace tactics and strategies. Building these connections can only strengthen the plans and ideally bottom line. Cause if we can’t get sustainability industry leaders to partake in there own thought provoking ideas for living a greener lifestyle in a greener world – how on earth are we going to get the less committed, less proactive, and less knowledgeable to give up the ease of convenience and in some cases selfish consumer desires.

Keeping in mind, however: as David Owen says, “even when we act with what we believe to be the best of intentions, our efforts are often at a cross-purposes with our goals.”

Best of Green Intentions in Advertising

With people working on or potentially thinking of behavioral change, advertising is one step ahead. There are plenty of companies highlighting sustainability practices in relationships. My current interest is wrapped around PGE.

PGE challenges consumers. Essentially boldly stating, “Your mission as you choose to accept it is….use less water by installing a low-flow showerhead.” Or use those energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs that are just a bit more expensive upfront, but last longer in the future. They are encouraging (little peer pressure) consumers to participate in small tasks to reduce the energy load in order to achieve desired results. PGE makes this, 1) easy, 2) short, and 3) results driven 4) social – perfect for the everyday consumers.
Go ahead and check out this PGE project and participate!

Get your green on:

@SocialEntrprses
@GoGreenConf
@PGEMedia

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Filed under Advertising, Behavioral Change, GoGreen, Sustainability · Tagged with going green, social organizations