Carrotmob’s Reverse Boycott Helps Brooklyn Hardware Store Go Green

Yesterday the global volunteer group Carrotmob held its first reverse boycott event in the Brooklyn neighborhood Park Slope at family-owned Tarzian Hardware. Carrotmob brings together consumers and businesses to benefit the planet. Believing that a little bit of money can elicit a large amount of change, Carrotmob uses the “carrot” of consumer purchasing power to entice businesses to become more green.

Carrotmob works to get the word out to consumers and act as event hosts. In return, Tarzian agreed to put 22 percent of the day’s profits towards energy improvements such as upgraded lighting and heating, etc. Carrotmob also coordinates with other nonprofits. Yesterday, items could be purchased from Tarzian and donated directly to Materials For The Arts.

Tarzian’s owner John Ciferni told PSFK that following the event he is having an energy usage audit conducted on the store. After reviewing the results of the audit, he will decide how best to invest the money from yesterday’s event to make the store more green. He is already considering switching to wind power. John also commented that the experience of working with Carrotmob has inspired him to think about more things his store could do for the community. He spoke about creating a recycling center in the store for items like batteries.

Carrotmob organizer Megan Dietz hoped that this first event in NYC would lead to joining with more local businesses around the city in the future. Successful events have previously been held in San Francisco, Kansas City, and Bristol, England.