Two business topics covered in class meet in a short report from The New York Times (reprinted in The Globe and Mail on October 26, 2011) on a business called Eco-Conceirge NYC: sustainability and entrepreneurship.
Eco-concierges makes it easier for the busy to adopt a greener lifestyle. Source: Peter DaSilva for The New York Times
Eco-Concierge NYC describes itself as a “personal environmental concierge.” The year-old business, run by President Letitia Burrell and based in Manhattan, runs errands and books appointments for people concerned about their ecological footprint but are often too busy to incorporate sustainability into their lifestyles. Eco-Concierge NYC “tries to make it easy for people to rid their homes of toxins, hire sustainable-cuisine chefs and find organic dry cleaners.”
Eco-Concierge NYC is truly the brainchild of entrepreneurial dreams. The idea of a personal environmental concierge is extremely innovative and risky. There are only about 5-6 similar services in the USA, and business relies on long-term customers. However, the small market offers the opportunity for current players to quickly and firmly establish leadership in this specific niche market. And with the latest trend towards “greener living”, personal environmental concierge businesses will no doubt flourish in North America for the years to come.
Update on November 14, 2011: Eco-Concierge NYC’s website is not available.