Earth Week

Not too long ago I became interested in what tools like Facebook, Twitter, iTunes and YouTube could do for my various activities in work, business and volunteer efforts.

This lead me to create various profiles on Google, Facebook and a host of other "social media" sites.

Finally I got myself invited to host a booth for the Toronto Green Community as a volunteer at an event known as TwestivalTO.

Which leads me to today as we enter the last few days of an event myself and a few others are spearheading. It's called GREENtuity. More on this in a bit. But first I must tell you why.



Toronto Green Community has been home away from home for my wife for over the past 10 years or so. She started as a volunteer and is now the Director. They are an amazing grassroots-based not-for-profit organization. They have played a role in the creation of AutoShare and the wind turbine co-op many of you see near the CNE grounds.

Despite these amazing programs as well as many community-based initiatives like Lost Rivers Walks and Green Gardening, TGC seems to have never managed to create a following large enough to attact major donors, sponsorships, and even new and young memberships.

And this is where myself and the GREENtuity team come in.

GREENtuity

GREENtuity, a Tip to the Environment, works by allowing patrons of our partner stores to make a $1 (or more) donation at their time of purchase. The goals of GREENtuity is to increase the profiles of our partners during Earth Week; increase the profile of Toronto Green Community and raise $5000 for TGC's various initiatives and programs.

Before the event was even created I had 3 objectives:

1. Increase the profile of Toronto Green Community across Toronto.
   
2. Raise $5000 for Toronto Green Community.
3. Engage the "wired community" to become involved with Toronto Green Community.

GREENtuity, a play on the words green and gratuity, has increased the profile of TGC among our various partner stores. We have also had great support from various bloggers.

Which leads us to the $5000 goal. Can it be accomplished? Is it posibble? Impossible? Does it even matter? It does matter and I believe that we all can raise the $5000. The objective and the receipient are both worthy of our efforts.

I hope you will help.

Thank you.

PodCamp Toronto 2009

I'm attending my first PodCamp this Saturday. What is PodCamp? I haven't a clue. What I do know, is that it is a (un)conference that strives to bring together people in the spirit of community help. Think of a conference that you, as an attendee, can design. Couple that with the power of social media and people who love to help people.



I'm going as a volunteer representative for Toronto Green Community. We're hoping to learn some stuff to help TGC go mainstream. Here are some answers to questions posted on Toronto PodCamp website:

What are your personal goals for Podcamp?

I want to learn as much as possible. Be a sponge. Meet new people. All with the focus of taking what I can to help TGC grow.

What do you want to learn?

How can TGC use social media and other socmed events to raise needed funds for project work and create raving fans!

What are you offering to share/teach others at Podcamp?

All I can share I will. I'm a little new at these type of events. What I do know is that if an event like TwestivalTO can be a success then so can a Toronto Green Community inspired "tweet" event!

Which podcamp registrants would you like to meet?

I would love to meet Chris Brogan, John Sheridan. I'd also like to re-meet Erin Bury and Sarah Prevette who headed up TwestivalTO. Oh! And Helen Overland as well!

Why? Who is your “dream interview” for your podcast? Why?

I don't have one. How the heck do you podcast?????

What is your, “Can’t miss it” session at podcamp?

Social Media for Special Causes and Social Media for Non-Profits.

Monetize or Communitize?

Both!

Who would win in a cage match: Chris Brogan, Bob Goyetche, My Marilyn, or Scarborough Dude?

?

In time honored meme tradition– guilt a few more people into carrying on this meme.

Everyone who reads this post and is coming!!!

"Green" Business - Mainstream

No matter what we think business is taking "green" mainstream.

Two articles recently came across my Google Reader. The first was Motorola's entry into the green revolution. Second was news that research firm Environics had just opened up a “Sustainability and Clean Energy” practice to provide PR support to clients looking to market environmentally friendly practices and services.

These are positive things in and of itself. However, there will be people who say that it's all just a marketing ploy to generate business during this economic storm.

Here's the rub: It's good that "green" is good for business. Changing the consumer mindset of North America (and the rest of the Western world) should not be the point. We should be encouraging innovation and "green" enterprise. And applauding it. Consumers will continue to demand products and services that respond to their desire for eco-responsibility. Companies that respond to these needs will succeed and thrive in the coming months and decade.

What's your opinion and thoughts? I'd love to hear about them.

A Neutral Gift that's Positive!

My wife is the executive director of Toronto Green Community. They have done some amazing work in just over 10 years. The windmill on the CNE grounds is just one example. In fact, they have also garnered the attention of musician Jack Johnson and his non-profit organization, All At Once.

And so, in honour of TGC, and with thanks going to storyteller, Sameer Vasta, I'd like to offer you the first 5 readers (I know. I'm stretching to think there are 5 people who read this this blog!) ONE day of carbon neutrality. If you claim this gift, Brighter Planet will donate 136 pounds of carbon offsets in your name. These offsets help fund renewable energy projects and are an important part of fighting climate change. All I ask in return is that you consider conserving where you can during the holidays.

Now that's cool! HERE'S the GIFT!!