explaining 9carrots to your group

It is really important that everyone in the group understands the scheme. They will be the first shoppers for the businesses and spread the word to others in the community.

The best way to explain it is actually to get the place where you meet on the scheme and then just show them. That way, every time you meet you will help the business improve itself.

• explain using the example of the bar / café you are actually in -> or show them!
• have the starter pack ready with the receipt books and contracts to aid explanation
• the example flyers with businesses on the back help (included in the starter pack)
• see the explanations section for ideas on what to say to introduce it (and add your own)
• the how it works section has a cartoon which might help also

• "we don't have the time or resources"
  • - It does take time to get businesses on board and to get people to use them... but you're prepared to put some time in and there's also lots of support: all the leaflets, website, receipt books etc. are all provided and there's an active community of people willing to help
• "businesses will not sign up"
  • - So far, around 70% of businesses approached have signed up.  Actually it's very favourable for them - every business wants more customers and lower energy bills.
• "businesses should be doing this themselves, why should we help them?"
  • - Indeed they should. But this is a recession and business people are thinking short-term. 9carrots gives businesses a short-term reason for acting on climate change: more customers.