Joe Kauffman, spokesman for the Terror-Free Oil Initiative, has decided to take a popular water cooler issue head-on by announcing the grand opening of the world's first Terror-Free gas station. Opening in the first part of February in Omaha, Nebraska, Heartland consumers will have the opportunity to let their actions speak as loud as their words.
This news story reminds me of the efforts of various grocers, retailers, and coffeeshop owners to harness their ideals to business. Attempts to pass the price of fair-trade coffee beans, organic produce, and non-sweatshop produced clothing on to the consumer have enjoyed some measure of success, although the love of money can still turn the most idealistic person into a cheap hypocrite.
The success of Kaufmann's endeavor will depend on two things, both of which have little to do with armchair philosophizing or political affiliation. Rather, it will come down to marketing strategy and accessibility.
Login to read more
Sign in or create a free account to access Subscriber-only content.
Topics: