Instigator Blog

Entrepreneurs are leaders. Entrepreneurs are passionate and resolute (sometimes beyond reason!)

We’re stubborn and inquisitive. Curious and determined. Certain we can do better than anyone else.

And so it makes sense: When entrepreneurs turn their attention to the environment, good things happen.

There’s no shortage of entrepreneurs and companies tackling green technologies. All very cool stuff, and incredibly advanced. I look forward to the day when my car is powered by bio-fuel, my house is heated completely by solar power, and my genetically-engineered cats can eat all my garbage and produce zero waste (it’s coming, I promise!)

But what I’m more interested in are those that choose to use their power, wealth, leverage and success for the benefit of the environment. Entrepreneurs who decide to make a difference by standing up, ranting and raving, and putting their muscle behind the cause.

How can entrepreneurs, taking all of their strong-willed determination and “take no prisoners” attitude, focus some of their attention on the environment?

Here are some cool things to look at and consider:

1. Montreal-based Rethos recently launched its beta service. They call it a “platform for change.” The home page has a great animation running that starts, “My culture tells me…” It goes on to say, “…that species and their ecosystems are commodities…”
2. Ryan Allis had his eyes opened after reading reports on the deaths of millions each year to curable diseases. He read another report that told him 2.7 billion people in 2001 lived on less than $2 a day. That spurred Ryan to write a Purpose Statement. Ryan plans to give back 95% of his accumulated wealth, and works tirelessly to improve this planet. That’s the power of entrepreneurship.
3. Organizations like the Social Venture Network have existed for some time (in this case since 1987.) As their website states, “SVN is a nonprofit network committed to building a just and sustainable world through business.” The members of SVN are no slouches.
4. Green hosting is a good example of how tech companies that are not focused on green-technology can make a difference. Take a look at GreenHosting.org (based in Calgary, interestingly enough.) Hosting powered entirely by green energy. No surprise, some companies take advantage of the popularity in green hosting, as noted by Liam Eagle in his article, Is “Green” the Latest Web Hosting Gimmick? Where there is money to be made there will be scammers…

What’s most important to remember is this: Almost every company, and every facet of doing business, will be affected by the environment.

Companies can’t hide from the problems. Companies can’t hide from the ever-increasing voice of environmentally-conscious people. Just take a look at what’s happening in recruiting. Studies are now coming out revealing that more and more people are frustrated with their employers lack of environmental policies. Employees want to work for eco-friendly companies. For younger employees this is becoming a significant priority, so much so, that a considerable number of younger people say they’d switch jobs to work for a more eco-friendly company.

And young entrepreneurs starting businesses today are only going to fuel the demand for eco-friendly organizations. Young entrepreneurs will stand out from their older counterparts, from the goliaths of their industries, by being green; and you can be sure it will lead to better quality hires, more customers and more success.

Today is Blog Action Day, where the blogosphere unites to speak its mind about the environment.

photo from gsmattingly