If your purchases can help someone in need or you can pay your dollars forward in a socially conscious way, wouldn’t you be more apt to shop from that brand? On yesterday’s “Dot Complicated” radio show, Randi spoke to those actively involved in conscious commerce.
From ethical journalism to Buy One Give One models, here’s what the experts say:
First BRYN MOOSER of RYOT, the action-taking news story site.
On conscious commerce: “It’s one of the most exciting things to happen in a while. When Toms started a wave of making companies socially responsible to do good in the world followed.”
On empowering people to become the news: “It was a clear idea: How do we transform news to ‘here’s what’s happening in the world’ to ‘here’s what we can do about it’.”
“There’s so much information, it becomes so much “look at this” without context. We try to provide the context by helping people become a part of the story.”
On joining the Peace Corps: “I think everyone should join. It’s the best thing our government does.”
“1) Help a community by building a school, 2) Tell a story about yourself, 3) Create a more compassionate society.” #PeaceCorps
On non-profit orgs: “It can be a crowded space. Everybody wants to help but it’s hard to discern where to help best.”
On taking action on RYOT: “The story dictates the action needed. We make the actions as diverse as possible and as localized as we make it. Think global, act local.”
On slack-tivism: “My partner David calls it crack-tivism. Get addicted to being activists. Show your voice can be heard.”
On big stories on RYOT: “Animal stories do really well. But I still push South Sudan and West Africa.”
On how tech can best be used: “I’m inspired when traveling, seeing the resilience of people. I’ve noticed a huge change with people who have access to social media. They can be content creators means a democratization of storytelling.”
On his vision: “I want to help people think about the way they think about news. To have a deeper understanding and be a part of the conversation.”
Fave apps: “Longform for iPad. It condenses all magazines into one.”
“People ask about a trip, which is difficult to explain. Instead you can use Instagram. It’s a powerful storyteller.”
Deleted app: “Instafollow. You can find out who you follows and who doesn’t. It’s creepy and stalker-ish.”
Follow Bryn @brynmooser @RYOTnews
Next up SORAYA DARABI + MAXINE BEDAT of ethical clothing line ZADY:
On buying globally & buying ethically: “It’s one in the same. It’s about being thoughtful. We help people understand they can vote with their dollars.”
On Zady’s new launch: “Our sweater is sustainable down to the smallest detail. Plus it’s made in the US.”
“It’s exciting to see through online channels you can share a story of a farmhouse in Oregon or a dye house in Pennsylvania. People can now learn where their products come from.”
On reconnecting through Facebook: “Like so many of us in our generation, we stayed connected by using social media.”
On caring about the story behind the products: “From personal experience, I remember my mom taking us Ecuador and buying ponchos. Now those ponchos say Made in China. It’s scary how globalization is changing the world.”
“I was a consumer of fast fashion. I was excited about H&M opening in New York. I had a closet full of clothing that I never wanted to wear.”
On challenges in building a business as two females in the tech world: “We often enter a room where we’re the only women. Being realistic about that possibility helps us stay grounded.”
“I have a Hello Kitty Band-Aid on my finger. It’s funny and amusing to be a female in this industry. But we just own it. We own the fact that we’re multi-dimensional. It’s a great time to be a female founder because we deserve our place in the market.”
Fave app: “CitiBike. It’s great for New York.”
“Circa. The best news app out there.”
Deleted: “Vine. Sorry to the 14 year old girls out there.”
Follow Soraya and Maxine @Zady @SorayaDarabi @MaxineBedat
The final guest for the day was IDO LEFFLER co-founder & Chief Carrot Lover Yes To, Inc. He’s now the co-founder & CEO of YOOBI
On conscious commerce: “We’ve grown up in world where we have lots of choices. We buy stuff everyday. If you can buy something that’s phenomenally good and does good, it’s an easy decision. Not only good for you but does good for the world around you.”
On launching YOOBI: “I was a geeky kid who loved school supplies. I’ve got kids now and while our kids have lots of options, it feels like the creativity ended in the 80s. I asked how can I create things my kids will be excited about? ”
On how important design is: “It has to be cool. We’re in a compromise-free generation. There’s no need to compromise anymore.”
On including social aspects into products for entrepreneurs: “It gives you an additional reason to want to be successful.”
“Find something you’re passionate about. I’m passionate about giving kids a proper start in life so every kid has the proper tools to learn.”
“You don’t need to start your own non-profit to give back. Partner with others instead.”
“The added benefit of having a social cause helps people feel aligned with you as product as a marketing vehicle.”
On partnering with Target: “It was an easy choice. Target is one of the most philanthropic in the nation especially when it comes to education.”
On online marketing: “We make sure people understand why we did this and make them a part of the story. Our target market is for ages 4 to 104.”
“The stories we’ve heard from teachers who spend their own money in their classrooms and the ability to get people to tell these stories is the butterfly effect of why we do what we do.”
Fave app: “TinyScan. I use it three times a day.”
Deleted: “I got rid of the BBC app and CNN app. I love my car time so I’m a big Sirius listener.”
Follow Ido @idoleffler @YOOBIgives
Join “Dot Complicated with Randi Zuckerberg on SiriusXM” next Wednesday to hear all the latest and greatest in tech news.
Only on SiriusXM Channel 111 at 9am PST/12 EST.
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