We’re onto something here. We as a community of social entrepreneurs, socially conscious individuals, eco-minded shoppers, people supporting inspiring causes, and individuals determined to change the world for the better. This is not a trend and it’s no longer something that a small percentage of the population is interested in. Philanthropy, eco-friendly behavior, higher standards of ethics, and humanitarian efforts are becoming ingrained into the culture of our society at large. Like technology, each generation is moving forward by leaps and bounds. And like technology we will see efforts increase exponentially. More causes, more funding, more help. If you share these views, the following stats will be breath of fresh air. If not, take note and be inspired.

83% of all consumers want retailers that benefit causes.

- People support companies that support bigger causes. Plain and simple.

85% of US consumers have a more positive image of a company when it
supports a cause they care about.

- People are bombarded daily with branding from hundreds of companies. What’s an easy standard by which to judge the legitimacy of a company? What causes it supports.

80% of all consumers (79% of general pop. 90% of Gen Y) are likely to
switch brands, similar in price and quality, to one that supports a
cause.

- Two products side by side with similar properties. One supports a cause, one is completely for profit. 80% of people choose the former. It’s a no brainer. In the past there weren’t always socially conscious companies as a direct substitute to others. Now there are, and people are choosing them more often. Gen Y is leading the charge meaning that the future is only becoming more savvy shoppers.

75% of all consumers want companies to support humanitarian
and environmental causes

- People have more choices than ever. And with those choices they are beginning to expect companies to do more than make a good product. Like support humanitarian and environmental causes.

31% of Americans say that an economic downturn in among the most
important times for companies to support social and environmental needs

- A business environment focused on using more of a group mentality is spreading. As a country and world we need to advance together. This makes for a stronger economy and better standard of living.

81% of US consumers believe companies should financially
support causes at the same level or higher during an economic downturn.

- The world was turned upside down with the Great Recession. We’re still feeling the effects of the collapses in the financial and Real Estate sectors. The old ways of doing things failed and that mentality has stuck. Consumers want more. And if you think your times are hard, there are people being hit 1,000 times harder. The time for giving back has never been greater than right now.

61% of US consumers are willing to purchase from a new brand (brand
they have never heard of) due to the brand supporting a cause

- With the major shift in ideals that came with the recession came the willingness to branch out and do things differently. This includes brands. Think your business cards are cool? Recycled is cooler. And cheaper in most cases. People are more willing to change their brand loyalty than ever and to companies that have a bigger goal than a product or service.

41% of consumers (53% of millennials (ages 18-24)) have purchased a
product in the past year BECAUSE it was associated with a social or
environmental issue

Some causes are so good that the item you pay for is a bonus. People want inspiration and to give inspiration.

Where does that leave us now? In a place and time where we can literally change the foundations of business and philanthropy. A new perspective is already in place. Now it’s up to us to make it happen.

Join the Roozt team in helping to make a difference. If you are a Nonprofit who could benefit from extra contributions or a vendor with a socially conscious product shoot us an email at info@roozt.com. We want to build and strengthen this community as much as possible.

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world” – Mohandas Gandhi

Cheers,

ND

(*All stats taken from the 2010 Cone Behavioral Study)

As much as we hate to admit it around the office, fall is quickly closing in on us. Not to play Debbie Downer, but you’ve probably also noticed that the days are getting shorter, the kids are headed back to school, and Halloween displays are already up in full force at your local grocery store [insert eye roll at the absurdity of holiday commercialism here]. But if you’re a high school senior, the cooler weather and crunch of falling leaves also mean the dreaded college application process. And while we can’t write your admissions essays for you, we CAN throw in our two cents about some of the top “Green Colleges” in America. Roozt is no Princeton Review by any means, but feel free to use this as your entirely unofficial guide to some cool off-beat schools and programs, from around the country.

(Much kudos to our buddies over at TheDailyGreen.com for the inspiration!)

College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor ME

The first U.S. college to go carbon neutral, COA educates several hundred students in Human Ecology, or the study of our impact on the planet (with lessons in green building, land conservation, and toxin elimination). And with only locally sourced, organic meals on the dining menu, it sure beats crappy dorm food! http://www.coa.edu

Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa NC

WWC takes “sustainability” above and beyond, getting all food and lumber from their own organic gardens and forests (kid you not, even their chainsaws run on soy oil). Their campus vehicles run on biodiesel, and all streetlights and carts are solar-powered. Not to mention, students recycle and compost as much as they can, and Warren Wilson even has a “free store” where the gently used items that one student drops off are another peer’s treasure find. http://www.warren-wilson.edu

Evergreen State College, Olympia WA

Arguably one of the prettiest campus settings, the grounds include 800 acres of forests and beaches, and a full-fledged organic farm. There, students can study everything from organic farming, to ecology, to conservation. The campus also boasts electric cars, 100% clean power, and green buildings. http://www.evergreen.edu

Berea College, Berea KY

Ever heard of a sustainable EcoVillage on a college campus? If not, then you clearly haven’t heard of Berea. With the “no biggie” goals of a 75% reduction in energy and h20 use, and 50% reduction in solid waste, they are clearly some of the most determined of the bunch. The Village also uses only eco-friendly appliances, solar panels, heavy insulation, wind-power, and rainwater collectors. Now that is green living! http://www.berea.edu

Harvard University, Cambridge MA

Ever thought you’d see this one coming? In case those overachievers weren’t already some of the smartest brains in the country, they had to go and add “leaders in sustainability” to their resume. One of the top purchasers of renewable energy, the campus also uses only recycled paper (and prints on both sides), has reduced waste by 73%, and converted school trucks to run on spare vegetable oil from the dining halls. http://www.harvard.edu

One interesting thing to note: for how much of a West Coast stereotype there is surrounding “going green,” the majority of Top Green Colleges reside on the Atlantic. Just goes to show that this is no longer the “hippies in Berkley” movement of the 1960s. You don’t have to be a treehugger to help the environment…sustainability is here to stay!

CG with the Roozt team

PS 5 days til launch! Stay tuned for the big day