More of a buycott than a boycott, Carrotmob is a method of activism that uses consumer buying power as a way of encouraging businesses to green up. Carrotmobs are helping businesses from New York City to Helsinki become more sustainable and socially responsible, and now for the first time the phenomenon will strike Australian shores.

Eco-conscious consumers are encouraged to “mob” Surry Hills MFC supermarket between 11am and 2pm on Saturday October 24. In return, the store will spend 20 per cent of the profits raised on the day towards becoming a more environmentally sustainable business.

The store’s owners Robert Abousaada and Mohammed Elsayed say: "We are really excited to be hosting the first Carrotmob event in Australia here in our store, it is such a worthy cause. We hope to see the event continue to take place in the future with other businesses." The more people spend the more MFC will earn and will in turn put towards greening-up their business. It’s a grass roots reverse-boycott.

The first Carrotmob campaign took place in San Francisco in February 2008. As The Economist reported, “Carrotmobs are shopping for a good cause, throwing their dollars at stores who have agreed to make positive changes in the way they do business”.

Carrotmob Sydney is organised in correlation with 350.org International Day of Climate Action. 350.org is an international campaign, whose mission is to inspire the world and to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis. October 24 marks the day when people all over the world will be working together to take action against global warming.

So turn up on Saturday and by doing your weekly grocery shop you'll also be doing your bit for the planet. It’s win-win all round.

Surry Hills MFC Supermarket is located at 435 Crown Street, Surry Hills, Sydney. Carrotmob Sydney will be striking the store between 11am and 2pm on Saturday 24 October 2009.

More info:

sydney.carrotmob.org

carrotmob.org

350.org