Double Benefit A Good Model for Business

Graham Kerr, formerly known as the Galloping Gourmet was enthusiastically received at the 8th annual NW SolarFest this past Saturday July 16th.

In his talk on "Double Benefit" Kerr illustrated this concept with examples from his own life.

Graham Kerr and his wife Treena have adopted a lifestyle of healthy eating. This change includes smaller portions with a focus on vegetables as the main course of a meal. They discovered that eating for their health was also good for their budget.

The savings was significant. In his website he gives specifics: "In 1983 my wife Treena and I chose to reduce our meat consumption by about $20.00 a week for our family of 4 adults. We spent $10.00 on vegetables we really liked. We lost weight, lowered cholesterol, felt better, and we enjoyed the change which are all benefits. Then we took the $10.00 savings, which become $520.00 for the year and invested this new money in two children through Compassion International. One of which we still support today. He lives healthily and is well educated because of our habit change."

The "Double Benefit" principle is to do something for yourself that improves your condition while saving you money or resources. Then invest some of that into something that benefits someone else.

In listening to Kerr's presentation it is easy to see this also would apply to business.

When a business invests in making their operations more efficient overhead costs go down. Adopting energy efficiencies also means future risk from rising energy costs are mitigated, in some cases employee health and safety are improved.

A growing number of companies have adopted practices that reduce their environmental impact, and save money. Some of these companies have also choosen to invest in the local community.

Support for these businesses increases as their reputation for good products and services is augmented by their reputation for philanthropy.

If you look on the Shoreline Solar Project website listing of sponsors, you will see in addition to utilities and non-profits, some businesses that helped make NW SolarFest possible this year with their in-kind or monetary donations.

Other companies that support community through donations for student scholarships, community social events, environmental restoration projects, or medical research include but are not limited to Iron Brothers Construction, Frank Lumber the Door Store, Carter Subaru, Sky Nursery, Aurora Rents, Dunn Lumber, MJ Distributors and Cats Exclusive. 

It is a business model that helps them stay afloat when the economy is down and prosper when times are good.

This kind of "Double Benefit" principle has a way of multiplying beyond the initial investment you make to yourself and community. The students receiving scholarships to college will go on to touch other peoples lives in ways not possible without a good education. The connections made at community events such as NW SolarFest will lead to new business ventures, more people accessing educational opportunities and more people making life style changes that benefit themselves and the environment.

"Double Benefit" is a concept that embodies nurturing life and success through cooperation.

Many thanks to Graham Kerr for sharing his personal experiences and insight and to the 2,000 plus people who participated, many for the first time. Together with the many volunteers you made what was the wettest most overcast NW SolarFest in its eight year history also the most successful.