So, I would love some feedback and some ideas. At some point a while ago I submitted this as a possible speech and it got accepted as the first keynote speech of the Future Trends conference!
MAKING THINGS BETTER – Change the World or Go Home
So when I look at that title I dod cringe a little at the “go home ” bit but then I reconsider and think, that’s what I mean. That’s what PSFK is for – to inspire people to make things better – better products, better services, maybe even less products, better lives.
Why do this if it wasn’t for some bigger reason. Who wants to be a trends analyst if it’s just a job? Really.
Anyway – the help I need is for some examples of great companies doing well by doing good. Of course, there are the old favorites like Patagonia, Method, InterfaceFLOR, Innocent Drinks – but who else do you love (and who do you hate)??
Comments in the comments box please. And yes, yes, of course I’ve started writing the presentation. Well, in my head, that’s for sure.
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Howies and Current TV for my bit…
November 9th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Making durable products whose style can travel unscathed through time is one of the most ethical things a company can do. Loomstate, 47 Laboratory (http://www.sakurasystems.com/), and Council (http://www.councildesign.com) make things that get more desirable with use and patina, objects with which the owner will never want to part. I strive to make each of my designs heirloom-ready, and these companies are inspirations.
November 9th, 2007 at 11:41 am
i like the title… are you going to open w/ mcleod’s blue monster?
doing well by doing good – so many examples come to mind. Patagonia – yes. That would be at the top of my list. TOMS shoes – very charitable-chic. Camper is a great little company – shoes, hotels, and even a concept car. that’s all i’ve got for now.
November 9th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Not sure about whose doing good but an idea for an opening would be to mention Google’s “do no harm” motto and ask if that is enough or whether the bar nneds to be raised.
I’m not sure if your just talking tech or any type of firm but Whole Foods and the idea orf natural products might be an example.
November 9th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Hi Piers,
It depends on how you look at it – whether it be impact on the environment or financially driven?
(It’s never easy with me…)
Some that spring to mind:
Vegetarian Shoes in Brighton? Any small retailer vs big evil corp? Unpackaged? (beunpackaged.com) Marks & Spencer’s Plan A? Nike? Ecover? Radiohead?
As an aside, I’m wondering when the simple act of highlighting an issue wil lsubside and actually making people do something about it will tip?
November 9th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Timberland is talking the talk and walking the walk…
November 9th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Nau is pretty interesting, and NBC’s “going green” week is the most irritating and flagrant load of BS I’ve seen in a while.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Here’s what comes to mind right away:
Kiva
MasterCard’s GivingTree program
REI and their tres cool new Boulder store
There also may be some interesting tidbits in this discussion of the green-collar industry:http://greenroofs.wordpress.com/2007/11/08/green-collar-workers-crucial-to-growing-industry/
November 9th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Current TV
TOMS
Body Shop
Frank Water
41Pounds.org
November 9th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
in the arena health and wellness, two companies doing good are…
Nutricate – a technology company that created software for restaurants to provide customized nutrition information on receipts, educating consumers about the food they eat to make better decisions (vs. preaching to consumers, who won’t listen anyway)
lululemon – an athletic apparel company, the company has a “manifesto” about living, playing and working in a balanced and healthy manner
November 10th, 2007 at 10:33 am
I like the way ethos water was built – i guess Starbucks did too… JH.
November 10th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Piers…
Oh dear, and I thought it was all about making money rather than saving the world. Yes, we all want to feel we are doing worthy things… But at the end of the day we are persuading people to blow their hard earned dollars on shit. Let’s not get precious here… We are all “AdHos.” Maybe, I had one G&T too many… But, c’mon, all of these fuckers eventually sell out to corporate america for big bucks. Go off and buy a fucking castle in Scotland, then fly off to Darfur in their executive jet, give concerts for “Di.” Then do dope while wearing a sweater with holes in the elbows and feeling very self righteous… Wankers. Pheeww, glad I got that off my chest. Time for the next G&T.
Cheers/George
November 10th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
As someone who works in an agency, I struggle to balance the “marketing imperative” that supports our industry and keeps many PSFK readers employed with the desire to support companies that are “doing good.” I like the fact that Target donates a portion of its sales to local initiatives, but I hope they will eventually employ a more sustainable approach to their overall business. So, I dig what Target is already doing, but they have an opportunity to do so much more.
November 11th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
I really appreciate all your feedback guys – even yours George. I’ll try to release the slides on Slideshare or something.
Got to write it now. 2.24pm Sunday…. erm,
November 11th, 2007 at 3:24 pm