In a time of economic turmoil, global warming has become a big biz. Corporations and small businesses alike have been leaping onto the environment band wagon, all hoping to portray themselves in the heroic image of being a pro-environmentalist. That's a fantastic PR move, considering all the global warming hype. The movement has become so popular, in fact, most relevant industries would have to be crazy not to have some eco-twisted branding.
Of course, naysayers are reading this article thinking "it's for the environment. Money has nothing to do with it!"
Au contraire.
Many are familiar with Al Gore's passion-filled initiative to bring home the bacon with global warming. Speaking around the world, an Oscar winning documentary, a Nobel Peace Prize... the man has done it all. And he's not done yet. The Gore entourage has recently embarked on a 100 million dollar ad campaign to urge business and government leaders to focus on developing environmental policies and solutions that will bring change. Or in other words, grow the green industry.
Calling all capitalists: There's money to be made. And who better than to follow the man who invented the Internet?
Don't get me wrong. Environmental savvy is a critical part of our planet's well-being. However, make sure you see the bigger picture behind hopping on the eco band wagon. Recycle, turn the lights off, car pool, yes. But be careful not to buy into carbon credits, bumper stickers, movies and media hoopla that has made it cool (and highly profitable) to be green.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Money officially grows on trees
3 reactions:
Hmmmm... very interesting. What is your opinion about people profiting off of this sort of thing? Personally I don't think it's such a bad thing that people are making money off of global warming advertisement and the such because it is in a way spreading awareness. Companies use people as walking billboards all the time but in this case it is for a good cause, not for a brand name. This is our future and our children's future. I think it's a good thing.
Amen about the "carbon credits"...Al Gore (cough cough) :) lol
Excellent point. I read a lot of the mag WIRED and in this month's article about business trends, the third one listed is "Green On the Outside: Saving the Earth? Good For You- Just Be Sure You Do it On the Cheap." You'd really enjoy it. I have the print copy, but I'm pretty sure you can access it online. Companies love going green because it sends a good message, but when it starts costing them money, it's not so cool anymore. Toyota is the case in point. Check it out.