“One thing more dangerous than getting between a grizzly sow and her cub is getting between a businessman and a dollar bill.” – Edward Abbey
The current economic recession is forcing a lot of people to reevaluate the concept of value. Where our system of capitalism has currently found the most value in the almighty dollar, more and more people are now realizing the value of social concerns and how they increase the standard of living beyond mere materialism. The phrase “fair trade” is becoming a much more marketable term as consumers are seeking for ways to make their purchases more than just a monetary transaction, but a life-changing investment into humanity.
Social entrepreneurship is not about mere charitable giving, but personal empowerment, community enhancement, and all around social responsibility. The new economy that is emerging does not only look out for the singular bottom line of fiscal growth, but a multi-tiered bottom line of environmental stewardship, personal health, and community solidarity. While many are still stuck in the mindset of the pedestrian capitalism that we have clung to for so long, there are a growing number of companies that are offering new services and products that can put us on the fast lane to a stronger, more just society.
As you go about your routine of releasing your financial energy into the world, become more aware of where it is going and just how valuable each of your purchases can be.
Steve McAllister
In addition to serving as Managing Editor and contributor to Modern Hippie Mag, Steve McAllister is an actor, musician, accomplished author and filmmaker. His most recent novel, The McAllister Code is available as an e-book at www.themcallistercode.com. Find Steve on Twitter, @InkenSoul. Read his reviews and articles here.
Steve McAllister, Modern Hippie Mag's resident Lifestyle Guru, describes himself as a Renaissance Man. An author, filmmaker, songwriter, and perpetual artistic experimenter, he has recently re-released his second book The Rucksack Letters into paperback to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the journey. His latest book, a comical foray into philosophical science fiction, is How to Survive an Estralarian Mind Meld. His latest artistic project is The Labyrinth of the Unbroken Path. .
