What is an ecopreneur?
The word ecopreneur is a portmanteau of “ecological” and “entrepreneur.” It has been said that an ecopreneur is an entrepreneur who is focused on ecologically-friendly issues and causes, attempting to do business in a way which benefits the environment. Many people think an ecopreneur’s products have to be green. Products like solar powered geysers, water conservation systems, compostable packaging are usually associated with ecopreneurs.
However, the underlying product of an ecopreneur’s business may not be related with traditional “green” products at all. What’s important though, is the manner in which the entrepreneur ranks the planet, people and purpose with profit. These are the ecopreneur’s 4 P’s of business and the ecopreneur is as conscious of profit as he is of the other 3 P’s. Many businesses are racing to reshape existing businesses along green lines and directors of companies and small business entrepreneurs are taking the helm as ecopreneurs.
John Ivanko (co-author of ECOpreneuring and Rural Renaissance) in discussing the differences between ecopreneurs and entrepreneurs says “While many entrepreneurs may be motivated, at least in part, to the mantra of “greed is great” on their journey to becoming a millionaire, growing numbers of ecopreneurs are adopting a different course, focusing on solving the problems facing society through the businesses they create, greening their bottom line. Many are redefining their wealth, as we have, not by the size of their bank account or square footage of their home. Wealth is defined by life’s tangibles: health, wellness, meaningful work, vibrant community life and family.”
Ecopreneurs are not only conscious of their actions and responsibilities but operate in a connected manner, realising the inter connectivity of all things that shape this planet. The ecopreneur is similarly someone that leads by being conscious and connected and this blog Ecopreneur strives to write about issues related to the ecopreneur and in particular green business opportunities. We look at what makes an ecopreneur and look at how ecopreneurs and their businesses differ from the way we have done business till now. We look at new ways to market, to produce to interact and connect to other like minded people. We present green businesses as case studies and where available present green business opportunities.
