Carrot Mob for Water Conservation
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Summary:
This idea can be sustained for a long time because it doesn't require ongoing sources of revenue, and it can be repeated over and over. Essentially, it uses the power of the consumer dollar to sway the behavior of local businesses.
Also, it fosters a new kind of community that is cropping up everywhere -- users who only know each other online, but are residents of the same city or town.
About You
About You
First Name
Megan
Last Name
Powers
Country
United States, MN
City
About Your Organization
Organization Name
Organization Website
Your Idea
Name your idea
Carrot Mob for Water Conservation
Describe how you would use $15,000 to help your community become aware of and address water issues in Minnesota.
My idea is to use a "carrot mob" to incentivize residents to make changes to their homes to conserve water.
A "carrot mob" is an online community that promotes the concept of using incentives (i.e. a "carrot" instead of a stick) to help businesses or individuals make environmentally friendly changes. There are carrot mobs in several cities throughout the US.
The carrot mob contest would be to invite local small businesses in a particular city, such as grocery stores, dry cleaners, etc - to share what kinds of modifications they would make to conserve (or better use) water. For example, a grocery store might agree to install new, water-conserving sinks and toilets. Then, the carrot mob is promoted to a wide audience, so that an online community of individuals is formed, and all of those people pledge to patronize the business with the winning idea on a particular day.
The extra revenue from all of those new customers allow the winning businness to implement the water-friendly improvements.
How do you define your "community"?. How are water issues affecting your community?
My family and I live in the Merriam Park neighborhood of Saint Paul. However, I consider the Twin Cities to be my community.
Innovation
Describe how your idea is creative.
This idea can be sustained for a long time because it doesn't require ongoing sources of revenue, and it can be repeated over and over. Essentially, it uses the power of the consumer dollar to sway the behavior of local businesses.
Also, it fosters a new kind of community that is cropping up everywhere -- users who only know each other online, but are residents of the same city or town.
Impact
Describe how how you expect your idea to make a difference in your community.
Concrete changes will be made in how businesses use water. Also, residents who join the carrot mob will have greater awareness of water issues by seeing what kinds of irresponsible or wasteful use of water is currently happening in businesses, what can be done to change it, and how they can often make the same kinds of changes in their own home.
Sustainability and Growth
Describe how your idea will "stick" in your community and how you think it could be repeated in other communities.
Since this can be repeated over and over with various kinds of businesses, it can be replicated in any community. Current crob mobs have proven this to be the case.
 | Sammy Quidoche said: Some theories explain that water will become precious as diamonds after 50 years, I think this is possible, so maybe conserving it now ... about this Competition Entry. - 838 days ago read more > |
 | Megan Powers updated this Competition Entry. - 1773 days ago |
 | Megan Powers submitted this idea. - 1773 days ago |
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