Towards the end of the Blue Sweater, Jacqueline Novogratz
summarizes some of the lessons she learned over years of working in Africa,
India, and Pakistan. She steers readers and potential future volunteers away
from the belief that sentimentality and inspiration are the sole tools needed
to make a difference. The answers to poverty are found by encouraging
accountability and gaining perspective. Novogratz writes “people usually tell
you the truth if you listen hard enough”; it is all about paying attention and
listening to the needs of the people instead of attempting to implement
preformed ideals.
The story of the Blue Sweater is a unique perspective into
the interconnectedness of the planet through the global economy. Novogratz
recognized the capacity for the human spirit in places that others doubted and
refused to help. She makes it clear that every person and every family comes
from poverty at some point down the line, yet we all seem to forget our roots.
It is not individual heroes that will make the change but everyone that comes
together to take part in the vision. Building a vision that generations can
carry forward, participate, and believe in will have the power to create
lasting global change.
The Acumen has reached investment numbers of over $100,000,000
as a growing number of people around the world have heard her call and volunteered
their services. The difference that Jacqueline Novogratz has been able to
already make is truly amazing but her vision for creating global citizens will
continue to influence for many years to come.
Companies
such as Fitbit have discovered a simple, well-designed, and effective way of
tracking individual health and wellness on a day-by-day schedule. From the food
you eat, to the steps you take these trendy watches are not only working to keep
you healthy, but they are a visual cue to everyone you meet that you not only
care about your health but are actively working to do something about it. Footprint
is a new company that works in a similar fashion. Tracking your individual
Carbon Footprint, this new wristwatch takes into account any source of negative
or positive impact on the environment and gives you a daily update on how big
your footprint was that day.
Footprint
will effectively change the way that people imagine their personal impact on
the environment. As the Bystander Effect and other social theories show, people
rarely see the importance in not recycling one bottle or not taking the Metro
to work one day, because its difficult to perceive one person’s impact in a
world of billions. Everyone will be directly aware of their own Carbon
Footprint, as well as those of others wearing the wristwatch. Social pressure
will instigate people to change their daily habits and minimize their influence
on the health of the planet. The company utilizes Social Responsibility by
allowing people to know more about how their daily routines negatively effect
the environment on a larger scale and in ways that they may have previously
been unaware of.
This
cause is extremely important to me, as the planet is in grave danger and needs
the help of every individual to make a difference. The word Carbon Footprint is
thrown around with a lot of intangible definitions and pointing fingers. With
the new Footprint wristwatch it will be clear exactly who is trying to save the
planet and who is not, as well as how those seemingly minor daily decisions can
add up to the bigger picture. I hope Anima Mundi Development Partners can
become as passionate about his young company as I am and hopefully take one
step closer to a world we all dare to imagine.
As
Jacqueline Novogratz continues to search for a place that she is not only
welcomed but where she can make a real difference, she appears to meet
roadblock after roadblock. It was interesting to hear the perspective of the
women from Cote d’Ivoire who neither needed nor wanted her help and made that
very clear by poisoning her. Making the world a better place is not as simple
as just visiting an underdeveloped country and volunteering. It’s essential to
listen to their needs and promote change from the inside out. One of Novogratz
and similar humanitarians initial misconceptions was that it’s important to
support growth with the citizens that live and breath the every day struggle
and not just try to waltz into their country and start giving orders.
This
idea continued further in attempting to implement loaning programs in Rwanda,
where instead of giving them handouts, it was decisively more effective to hold
them accountable. In order for the microcredit programs to work, the African
women needed to be held to same expectations as anyone else no matter how big
the loans were. The whole idea behind Novogratz’s work and her driving
motivation was that woman are just as capable as any man, they just needed the
opportunity to show their capability. Borrowing even the smallest amount of
money allowed these woman a chance to start building credit and prove they
belonged in the growing economy alongside men.
Her
acknowledgement that success needs more than simply good intentions, you need
“show the world who we are through our actions, not merely words”, reminds me
of a quote from the Dark Knight. Bruce tells Rachel that its not who I am
underneath but what I do that defines me, as many of you most likely remember
(how could you forget). As the Blue Sweater clearly points out, many of these
poverty stricken, traditionally gender divided economies just need to afford
people the opportunity to show they can belong and they can succeed. Most
people just never get the chance to prove themselves or just don’t really know
where to start.
TO: Clark
Hansen, CEO of Anima Mundi Development Partners
FROM: R.
Tyler Evans, Research and Development Department
DATE: July
26th, 2015
SUBJECT: Investment Recommendation Memo
Soylent - Use less. Do More.
Dear Mr. Hansen,
Thank
you for considering our advice before following through with your next
investment. The newly formed Research and Development team at AMDP is excited
to share our research with you and hopefully excel this company into a new
generation of success. When you mentioned that you were currently seeking
investment opportunities that follow and embody the Triple Bottom Line, one
company jumped to the forefront of discussion here in the Research and
Development Department. Soylent is a relatively new company that invented a
meal replacement product and a company that you should definitely invest in.
Before I get into who Soylent is and what they are doing to demand attention, I
want to reiterate that basic characteristics and standards that were taken into
account while searching for the appropriate new investment for AMDP.
The Triple Bottom
Line (TBL):
A
successful accounting framework that includes the 3 P’s: People (Social), Plane
(Environmental), and Profit (Financial). Devised in 1994 by John Elkington, the
TBL strategy has been growing in popularity ever since. The aim of the
framework is to achieve sustainable development.
Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR):
CSR
functions as a form of corporate self-regulation, which is actively worked into
the business model. Paying careful attentionto
compliance with all laws, standards, and appropriate procedures. A company that
embodies CSR goes further than taking responsibility for all corporate action,
and potential encourages positive change in the business environment.
Social Enterprise
:
An
organization or company that utilizes Social Enterprise aims to maximize
positive improvements in both human and environmental spheres. It is necessary
and more important to design an effective social impact than it is to focus on
the monetary profits of the company.
Carbon Footprint
:
The
Carbon Footprint of a company refers to the negative environmental impact or
levels of Carbon Dioxide and various other harmful chemical compounds that are
released as a result of the company’s activity. A common term is greenhouse
gases, which are responsible for depleting the ozone layer and global warming
effects.
What is Soylent?
Soylent
founder, Robert Rhinehart and a team of fellow young developers saw a need for a
simpler food source. Driven by the initial goal of breaking down food into the
smallest possible components they eventually created a drinkable food product
that effectively serves as a full nutritional meal replacement in 2013. It is
designed as a staple meal for adults providing all the maximum nutrition that a
normal daily diet would require.
Approved
by the FDA, Soylent is a healthy, fast, and affordable food source quickly
storming onto the scene from athletes to gamers across the nation. The idea
behind the company is a new choice for maintaining a balanced diet without
traditional food concerns or hindrances. No more grocery shopping, cooking, or
McDonald’s, Soylent can be used daily or variably however consumers chose to
acclimate it to their diet.
Soylent
includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but
without excessive or unnecessary sugars, saturated fats, cholesterol, or
proceeded ingredients. The drink takes only minutes to prepare and equates to
less than $5 per meal when mixed and served correctly.
Why Soylent?
The
young company is important to follow because of the potential impact on the
food and nutrition battle across the globe. It is still growing in recognition
and acceptance in the field, but those that are aware of Soylent praise the
product. The meal replacement drink is also Vegan and can be used as a weight
loss dietary option.
Brian
Merchant, in an article for Motherboard, writes about his experiences drinking
nothing but Soylent for 30 days. Although originally uncertain, he lost 10
pounds, and his doctor told him he was in better shape than he was months
previously. He insists in his article that Soylent is not only healthy for
himself, but also environmentally healthy. By avoiding meat and cattle,
individuals are releasing the growing burden on the planet and endorsing a more
sustainable diet.
Another
avid consumer writes about his experiences using Soylent for over 5 months and
his transition to using the meal replacement in 90% of his diet. He praises the
drink for his loss of 24 lbs, lack of necessity to plan meals, lack of worry
about deficiency in nutrients. “Food is Fuel,” he states, and Soylent may be
the best possible fuel for the best price and easiest accessibility on the
market. There are numerous blog posts on the web about critics that decided
they couldn’t knock it till they tried it and ended up recognizing the
nutritional, financial, and time benefits firsthand.
The
company is still extremely small and just recently launched their first bottled
product to go along with the online bulk order options. It is still relatively
difficult to determine how other industry contenders will face the new star.
Some argue that they enjoy food, cooking, and all the hassle and bustle of
restaurants, which Soylent declares unnecessary. Rhinehart would tell foodies
that Soylent does not need to totally replace other food sources, but can also
be seen as a supplement to a regular diet.
In Line With AMDP
Standards :
Soylent
was originally conspired in order to make the people’s lives easier, healthier,
and more efficient. It takes a gallon of gasoline to produce just a pound of
beef and the cattle industry accounts for almost 25% of the Earth’s arable
land. Soylent accounts for the TBL strategy because is environmentally,
socially, and financially conscious. Although still a very small company, it’s
plans for Social Enterprise and Social Responsibility are undeniably on point
with global standards. Unless the planet and people are in a better place as a
result of the introduction of Soylent, then the product is a failure. The aim
of the company is to make people’s lives better, without leaving a large Carbon
Footprint and minimizing potential negative impacts to the environment.
Final Recommendation
:
After
reviewing the companies online presence, personally speaking with Rhinehart and
other members of the founding team, and trying the drink myself I have to
advise that you consider investing in this company for the long term. The idea
is potentially revolutionary in the way that we think about and utilize food
across the planet. Soylent makes sense socially, environmentally, and
financially. In a modern busy world, Soylent could be the next great addition
to human’s never-ending pursuit of efficiency.
Whether
or not AMDP invests with Soylent or not, I guarantee others soon will. The meal
replacement is not for everyone and is still is stages of redevelopment and
initial growth, but there is a strong market existing for this product as I
have seen first hand and continually read about online. Once the young founders
have ironed out the details and created a final version of the product
restaurants, grocery stores, and other healthy supplements should watch out!
The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz opens with a quote
from Nelson Mandela that immediately stuck with me. “There is no passion to be
found playing small in settling for a life that is less than the one you are
capable of living”. After delving into an anecdote about a discarded childhood
sweater from the 1970s, Novogratz establishes that her book is more than an
unfamiliar transition from Wall Street to the slums of Rio de Janeiro, but a
call to live life loudly. She quickly recalls her early desire to change the
world, a desire that found her even when she felt she was the farthest from
making any real change.
What
initially interested me in the book was Novogratz indirect path to ultimately
start philanthropic organizations such as the Acumen Fund and Duterimbere.
Uncertain of how to reach the world and make the change she wanted to see, the
post-grad feel into the world of international finance. Although at first
appearing to distance herself from the realization of her dreams, it was the
introduction of accounting and banking that enabled her to reach the poverty
stricken world that caught her attention. As a new hire for Manhattan Chase
Bank, it was her job to travel the world and check on the company’s investments,
affording her the opportunity to witness devastating socioeconomic divisions up
close and personal.
When
I started college just 3 years ago, I had the same desire to change the world
and relinquish any monetary necessities. As an Architecture major, my goal was
to build low-income sustainable housing in under developed low socioeconomic
communities around the world. Since freshman year I have changed my major a few
times, but my goal remains the same. I want to make the world a better place
and it is comforting to hear Novogratz story as she initially found it
difficult to have an impact, but used the resources and opportunities afforded
to her in order to reach her goals of changing the world.
LA Flea Markets: Sustainable Vintage Final Article
Los
Angeles is well known for its beaches, movie stars, and basketball dynasties,
but less famously as the scene of a thriving desire for old and vintage culture.
From records to old furniture people love nostalgic pieces of the past. Flea
Markets are one of the best sources for forgotten treasure and priceless
memorabilia. I have been to flea markets in New York and London, but Los
Angeles rivals the even the most celebrated bazaars of the past with the most
extensive and continuous collections of cool stuff.
Flea
markets are supportive of a sustainable and healthy community as members focus
on recycling, trading, and bartering for used objects. Organized flea markets
are also a unifying community event bringing people together outside to window
shop, meet people, and try the new food trucks. Supporting local businesses,
musicians, and artists flea markets provide a platform for growing culture as
well as sharing cultural artifacts of the past. There are several flea markets
in Los Angeles worth a visit on your next day off or even if you’re just
visiting LA for a few days.
1. Rose Bowl Flea
Market
The
biggest and oldest flea market in Los Angeles, this market hosted on the second
Sunday of every month is located at the Rose Bowl. Celebrating 45 years the
Rose Bowl Flea Market now has over 2,500 vendors and 20,000 guests every month.
Walk for hours through an endless selection vintage collectibles, art, and even
fine glassware. Maybe a larger crowd than the average flea market, but you are
guaranteed to find something you can not go home with out. Get there early
before all the best items are gone!
Next Date: July 12th
1001
Rose Bowl Drive
Pasadena,
CA 91103
2. Melrose Trading
Post
The
Melrose Trading Post is organized and presented by the Greenway Arts Alliance
every Sunday on the grounds of Fairfax High School. A community based
non-profit, the flea market raises money for the school and offers job
opportunities to the students by charging admission and vendor fees. Greenway
Arts Alliance works to support local small businesses and young artists by
providing curated weekly changing vendors. Host to over 4,000 people a weekend
the Melrose Trading Post is quickly growing in popularity, you even may catch
some live music.
Next Dates: July 5th, 12th,
19th
7850
Melrose Avenue
Los
Angeles, CA 90046
$3
Admission
3. A Current Affair
A
Current Affair is more of a vintage event than a flea market. Just three times
a year, event planners bring the best vintage culture from across the country
to the thriving Los Angeles community. Located in downtown Los Angeles in The
Cooper Design Space, this market is much more selective with just over 50
vendors per day. This pop-up flea market has a more curated and industry
relevant collection than any of the others, but is hard to catch!
Next
Date: Sept 26th, 27th
860
South Los Angeles St.
Los
Angeles, CA 90014
4. Silverlake Flea:
Art Craft & Vintage
Hosted
on the second Saturday of each month, the silver lake flea market has a
distinct handmade and eclectic market. Located on the playground of the
Micheltorena Elementary School Playground the market works in part to benefit
the school. Silverlake Flea has a selection of DIY products, jewelry, and
vintage clothes. Food trucks revolve throughout the day offering options for
any palette. Uniquely this flea market has ping-pong tables and other
activities open to the public if you need a break from shopping. Free parking
Next Date: July 11th
1511
Micheltorena St.
Los
Angeles, CA 90026
5. Artist & Fleas
DTLA
The
downtown flea market is the newest member of the list after opening its doors
for the first time in the summer of 2014. Organized by Arts & Fleas, who
previously founded similar designer and vintage markets in Williamsburg and
Chelsea Market. Located in the Arts District, the surrounding area is full of
great places to eat, coffee shops, and local exhibits. On the third weekend of
every month join the downtown LA community for a unique curated flea market
with local crafts and high-end startups alike.
Next Date: July 18th, 19th
647
San Mateo Street
Los
Angeles, CA
6. Long Beach Antique
Market
The
Long Beach Antique Market has been hoisted as the “Top Flea Market in the U.S.”
and been organized since 1982. The
market, located in Veterans Stadium, is organized on the third Sunday of every
Month. Although one of the biggest markets in Los Angeles with over 800 sellers
each month, this flea market offers a different collection, geared more towards
home decor. The Long Beach Antique Market is the essential place to hunt for large
decorating items, vintage furniture, and possible celebrity sightings.
Admission is $6, but children are free and if you to their website you should be
able to find some discounts!
Next
Date: July 19th
4901
East Conant Street
Long
Beach, CA 90808
7. San Fernando Swap
Meet
If
you’re determined for a day in the Valley then the San Fernando Swap Meet is
the best market in town. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday this
flea market offers more chances to visit, however items come and go fast. Some
of the most diverse merchandise of the flea markets on the list; you can find
anything from video games to socks. One of the larger and most consistently
running flea markets in the greater Los Angeles area, it however may not have
the rare collectibles and vintage home décor that you can’t find anywhere.
Located right between the 118 and the 5, this market is hard to miss and even
harder to leave.
Next Date: July 11th, 12th,
585
Glenoaks Blvd.
San
Fernando CA, 91340
8. Pasadena City
College Flea Market
On
the first Sunday of every month the PCC flea market is considerably smaller
than the previous two. Host to fewer than 500 vendors what this flea market
lacks in quantity in makes up for in quality. You can find high-end antiques
and authentic products that only Old Town Pasadena could provide. Admission is
free, but parking will cost you $2 for the day. The first nonprofit community college
flea market in the nation since the 1970s, the PCC supports student life
programs.
Next Date: July 5th
1750
East Colorado Blvd
Pasadena,
CA 91106
9. Santa Monica
Airport
The
Santa Monica Airport Antique & Collectible Market is organized on the 1st
and 4th Sunday of every month. This flea market has a large array of
jewelry, fashion, and finer furnishings. Anything from vintage couture to linen
and china, but look out these vendors are notorious for being tough to bargain
with. Either the Santa Monica Market needs to catch up with the times or these
sellers have products they’re nervous to part with. Another long lasting market
in Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Airport knows how to organize a flea market
and have for over 30 years.
Next Date: July 26th
3050
Airport Ave
Santa
Monica, CA 90405
Each
of the flea markets on this list is exceptional in its own way and you’re
guaranteed to go home with something new or at least try some good food. Los
Angeles is abundant with flea markets and vintage swap meets as I discover new
events all the time. The GCC Swap Meet, Venice High Flea Market, the Topanga
Vintage Market, and many other flea markets are not mentioned in this article
but also highly recommended. Go out and visit a flea market when you have a
free weekend and support sustainable living and small local business.
Sources:
Artists & Fleas
http://www.artistsandfleas.com/
Melrose Trading Post
http://melrosetradingpost.org/
Fried, Benjamin. "Shedding Light on
Markets - Project for Public Spaces." Project
for Public Spaces. Web. <http://www.pps.org/reference/nov2003feature/>
Project for Public Spaces, Partners for
Viable Communities. "Public Markets as A Vehicle
for Social Integration and Upward Mobility." Phase I Report: An Overview
of Existing Programs (2003).http://www.pps.org/pdf/Ford_Report.pdf
Martin, Monique. "Best Flea Markets
In Los Angeles." CBS Los Angeles.
2 Feb. 2015. Web.
11 July 2015. <http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-flea-markets-in-los-angeles/>.
I
recently watched the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “I Hate Christian Laettner”,
which follows one of the greatest and also most hated collegiate basketball
athletes of all time. Christian Laettner lead Duke to the Final Four in four
straight years from 1988-1992 and won the National Championship twice. Although
it would seem he should be remembered as a sports hero his name lives on in
jeers and cheap t-shirts. What is it about Laettner that has caused so many to
hate him for so long?
Before
changing the channel I questioned of my own dislike for Duke basketball, which
I have retained since before I can remember, and failed to find a worthy
reason. The only answer I had for rooting against them every March is because
they’re good each and every year contending for the title. People voice their
hatred for Duke, Laettner, and similar sports dynasties such as the New England
Patriots or New York Yankees because of a cultural love for the underdog.
Laettner
unfortunately got a bad wrap for being the face of a basketball program that
was just really good. Duke is hated across the nation because they beat almost
every team they play every season and travel the country breaking the hearts of
home fans. It was those angry fans and people rooting against Duke that lead to
Laettner’s greatness, he fed off their energy and seemed to play his best on
the biggest stages. Maybe sports need enemies, villains, Dukes, and Christian
Laettners to feed the competition, but how far should it go? Should we really
jeer the players and teams that are ultimately the best at what they do and
chose to idolize others?
Love
him or hate him, Christian Laettner still holds the NCAA Basketball record in
Most Points Scored, Most Free Throws Made, Most Free Throw Attempts, Most Games
Won, and Most Games Played.
