subject: The New Face of Social Entrepreneurship [print this page] The New Face of Social Entrepreneurship The New Face of Social Entrepreneurship
Many people are familiar with the modern wave of entrepreneurialism, in which individuals with bright ideas branch out from traditional business models and create lucrative or exciting products and services. Social entrepreneurship, however, is less well-known, thought it's been brewing in global professional culture for a few decades. The basic concept behind this new type of business is to create initiatives and programs that encourage positive social change through any number of means. While such businesses may not focus on the element of profit, there's certainly no restriction on the amount of money that can be made with these forward-thinking ventures. Combining many of the benefits of basic business models with interesting new directions and the power of social networking, social entrepreneurship is likely to experience considerable growth as a greater number of professionals and creative minds discover the possibilities.
Ecozuri (www.ecozuri.com) is a company created with many of the principles of social entrepreneurship. Inspired by a trip to East Africa, the company's founder was eager for a way to effect meaningful changes in the region while also contributing to global environmental efforts. The result may seem simple, but is actually quite powerful; Ecozuri's line of washable, fashionable, and endlessly reusable shopping bags not only helps cut waste through the use of 100% recycled polyester sourced in the US, but also encourages greener shopping habits among consumers. Creating a way to breathe new life into poverty-stricken communities in East Africa, Ecozuri bags are also involved in philanthropic projects which help improve the quality and availability of education for local children.
It can be exceedingly difficult to encourage today's consumers to adopt new measures for saving waste and improving their lifestyle habits, and Ecozuri has tackled this important issue through its insistence on quality, effective materials incorporated into finished products that are nevertheless affordable. The bags are also designed with a range of personal styles and preferences in mind, so users can enjoy a visually appealing shopping experience. Able to be popped into a washing machine for quick and convenient cleaning, Ecozuri's bags lack many of the flaws of traditional reusable items, and can keep foods and hands safe. Through innovative thinking and a willingness to concentrate on the needs of the environment and its people rather than solely focusing on profit, Ecozuri is helping to define today's social entrepreneurship wave.
