A few years back, the recession enabled a new kind of capitalism-activism called “cash mobs.” Local consumers would, all at once, mob a business and spend money to show their support for the recession-struck gas station, or clothing store, or deli.
But before the existence of cash mobs, a similar movement called Carrotmobs had been doing the same thing with a focus on social good. Carrotmobs are like cash mobs, except community members earmark their spending at a store or restaurant for a specific social improvement like environmentally friendly lighting, bike racks or sustainably produced menu items. Many businesses want to make these positive changes but are limited by cash to get started, says co-founder Brent Schulkin. More than 100,000 Carrotmobbers have now engaged communities to encourage social change for 260 businesses to the tune of $1 million in 20 different countries.