Ecopreneurship – Its Impact on the Society with Special Reference to Velur, Thrissur District, Kerala

Jency Baby Assistant Professor Department of Commerce Mercy College Palakkad, Kerala Ph.8547511035 Abstract

The sustainability of our environment is a vital factor for the healthy functioning of our economic system. Whatever technology and crucial changes occurs in our society or how much money one makes out, the ultimate objective of each and everyone is to lead peaceful and energetic life. Today the increased use of plastics and electronic products has brought out a lot of health related problems in the human folk. Even the quantum of cancer patients is increasing day by day. Ecopreneurship is an initiative taken by the certain people in our economy with the objective of sustaining life on the earth with a healthy atmosphere. The present study analyses the importance of ecopreneurship in the present and forthcoming generation as a vital factor for the survival of human system and it is analysed that the importance of sustaining the environmental system must be implanted in the minds of the people from the very starting, i.e., from their schooling itself and the remaining aged human folk should be provided with various awareness classes on the same and the young generation must be boosted with the necessity and advantages of taking ecopreneurship as a business initiative which will be beneficial to oneself and to the society as a whole. So the present study analyses the penetration of ecopreneurship as a business initiative in Kerala with special reference to Velur, a small village situated in Thissur district and it is found that eco- friendly start-ups are functioning in the nook and corners of the village in a gradual manner and the ecopreneurship ventures are gaining importance/sprouting effectively in the minds of young generation for sustainment of a sound ecological system. Keywords: Ecopreneurship, economy, society, sustainability

Introduction

Entrepreneurship is a business initiative performed by an individual with the object of making . There are numerous numbers of entrepreneurs who runs varying kinds of business works in different fields whose main objective is to make profit. At present the concentration of business is not only on profit initiative, but also on to the welfare of the society as such. Protecting our environment is a vital factor for sustaining a healthy human ecological system. Our environment is getting polluted and deteriorated day by day. Increase in technology has brought a lot of advancements in the digital era, but have brought a lot e- waste which is dumping into the society. Even food waste, plastic waste which is toxic in nature are also thrown into the open air as people don’t have any place at their respective homes to degrade the same. Even from business units run by entrepreneurs are emitting a lot of hazardous waste materials, dust particles into the atmosphere that makes the surroundings more worsened. At this moment, the term ecopreneurship gained importance which are the business units run by entrepreneurs, most popularly known as ecopreneurs who undertakes business ventures on eco-friendly products or in eco-friendly terms without poisoning the atmosphere. Ecopreneur

According to Pastakia, ecopreneur can be defined as “Individuals or institutions that attempt to popularise eco-friendly ideas and innovations through either market or non-market routes may be referred to as ecopreneurs.

In the words of Issak; Ecopreneurs are defined as individuals who create green- green businesses in order to radically transform the economic sector in which they operate.

We can classify ecopreneurs according to two criteria. Firstly, they try to change the world and to improve the quality of the environment and life and secondly they desire to make money and grow as a business venture.

Meaning of Ecopreneurship

Ecopreneurship refers to a process by which entrepreneurs introduce eco-friendly or relatively more eco-friendly products and process into the market place. It is a term coined to represent the process of principles of being applied to create businesses that solve environmental problems or operate sustainably. The term began to be widely used in the 1990s, and it is otherwise referred to as “environmental entrepreneurship.” According to Gwyn Schuyler, “Ecopreneurs are entrepreneurs whose business efforts are not only driven by profit, but also by a concern for the environment. Ecopreneurship, also known as environmental entrepreneurship and eco-, is becoming more widespread as a new market-based approach to identifying opportunities for improving environmental quality and capitalizing upon them in the private sector for profit.” Evolution of Ecopreneurship

The relationship between business and the environment is not new. There was an upsurge of interests in environmental degradation during the 1960s, in Western Europe and North America because of the incidents of heavy smog in London caused by business activities. At that time, people became more aware of the negative environmental consequences of business activities. Business response to the environmental concerns was antagonistic, with little care about the cost of business activities to the environment. They saw the environmental concerns as a nuisance to their businesses and opposed any effort to control performance. During the time period ranging from 1960 to 1970 there was an upsurge of interest in environmental degradation. Due to frequent degradation spoliation of the earth a lot health related problems started rising which in turn brought out awareness programmes on the negative impact of business activities. Various researches were carried out on this particular issue and majority of the articles published argued that innovative business solutions improve the environment and provide a basis for new prospects. Between the years 1990 to 2000, Introduction of terms, such as, environmental entrepreneur, green entrepreneur, eco- entrepreneur, ecopreneur came into role. A lot of scholars pointed out the environmentally- friendly innovations and stressed the profit potential of ecopreneurship and this led to the integration of ecopreneurship units and courses into the entrepreneurship curriculum. Various other explicit changes also took place in the later years. Brief History of Velur

Velur is a small village and Panchayat in Thalapilly Taluk, situated in Thrissur district, Kerala. Other places close to Velur are Kechery, Wadakkancherry etc. It belongs to Central Kerala Division and is located 16 km towards North from district headquarters Thrissur, 7 km from Wadakkancherry and 297 km from State capital Thiruvananthapuram. This place is in the border of the Thrissur District and Palakkad District. Malayalam is the local language here. The total area comprises of 28.32 km2 (10.93 sq. mi). The population of the village according to the sensex 2001 is 22,155 and the density of the same is 780/ km2 (2000/sq mi). Official Languages used are Malayalam and English. The sex ratio 0.89 ♂/♀ and has a literacy rate of 90.15%.

Rural Folk at Velur Most of the people residing at Velur are typically engaged in agricultural and other allied activities without having much exposure to the outside world. But at present there is some improvement in the same i.e., in the present generation as they are exposed for higher studies and jobs outside their premises. But even then the composition of total population i.e., in the class of senior citizens, majority are illiterate and works within their locality without even looking or noticing the light of latest technologies that have been adopted in our economy and are not at all bothered of these changes and stands firmly themselves in their old norms, values and beliefs i.e., in their oldest methods of exchange and so on. But even then a good quantum of people i.e., the present generations have changed a lot in their attitude towards their latest trends in technology and other related aspects and are using the same in a better way.

Statement of the Problem

Ecopreneurship has penetrated into our society from the past few years. Its existence is gathering momentum day by day. Majority of the entrepreneurs now makes use of this ecopreneurship perspective for the attainment of their business target along with the satisfaction of the society. Now the drainage of hazardous and waste products are increasing day by day at each and every corner of our residence which in turn causes severe health related problems like Cancer, Malaria, typhoid, jaundice and so on. Hence the need for sustainable and healthy business is utterly needed. There will surely arise a situation when 100% of people who starts business will portray completely on ecofriendly and reusable products. A couple of decade ago there wasn’t any severe problems on health of the people as the number of industries, business ventures, trade etc. were very less and as such the emission of hazardous smoke, waste etc. were negligible. But now, as the technology has developed, a lot of people have started business ventures in a way or the other to make for a living. This study focuses on the attitude of the entrepreneurs and society at Velur on the adoption of ecopreneurship for the sustainment of wellbeing.

Objectives of the study

 To analyze the advantages gained by our society on the adoption of ecopreneurship.  To analyze the views and opinions of the society in creating an ecofriendly atmosphere.  To analyze the role of Government in promoting ecofriendly products.  To analyze the role of youth in promoting ecological environment.  To analyse the need of ecopreneurship at Velur.  To analyse the present role of entrepreneurs in sustaining an ecological system in our community.  To analyse whether any activities have performed by these entrepreneurs for sustaining a good ecological system.

Scope of the study

The present study is about the impact of ecopreneurship on the society with special reference to Velur, a small village situated in Thrissur district, Kerala. The study analyses the importance of ecopreneurship which is running in our society in the present context. The scope of the study is limited to this district due to constraints of time.

Methodology

 Primary data collected from the general public.

 Secondary data are also collected from articles and websites.

 Direct personal interviews were made with the residents of Velur.

Advantages of Ecopreneurship

Ecopreneurs indeed identify environmental challenges and therefore develop environmental products and services which will aid in solving both the business and environmental challenges by providing a sustainable solution.

 Ecopreneurs are able to utilize sustainable options in energy, waste management and other spectra of the ecosystem.  They can easily identify the problems of the society which in turn gives rise to a set of sustainable business solutions provided by the Ecopreneurs.  By initiating eco-friendly activities, ecopreneurs can have a competitive advantage against competitors and hence these companies are able to mass a large number of customers, both existing and new customers which brings out increased sales volumes thereby translating into profitable business ventures.  Eco-preneurship ensures carbon emissions to negligible levels which is the main concern of every major company in the world today.  Ecopreneurship enables companies to introduce environmentally sound solutions towards reducing transportation by utilizing the locally available material for their production lines hence reducing the need to purchase such items from a distant location.  Most eco-preneurships make use of these energy sources like solar and wind energy for the benefit of their environment which helps to reduce carbon emission and is able to reduce the amount of hazardous chemical usage.  Usage of energy sources will help to reduce the costs incurred in production of goods and servces.  Eco-preneurship ensures an effective waste management system in place so that any wastes that emanate from the business venture is indeed managed properly, hence reducing the amount of environmental pollution.  Eco-preneurship makes efficient use of water resources. Water is increasingly becoming scarce in the dynamic weather climate that we continue to experience. Therefore, this calls for efficient use of water. Eco-preneurships are beneficial since they put in place systems that ensure that there is efficient use of water resources.  Eco-preneurships ensure that there is less air pollution. This is because of the sustainable and renewable energy that the companies use. For instance, solar and wind power are clean energy sources thus less air pollution to the environment. This is beneficial to the eco-preneurships since they are likely to gain international recognition that will boost their image internationally hence the company will witness an increase in customer. The large pool of customers will reciprocate to high sales volume and therefore more profitability for the eco-preneurships.

Views and opinions of the Society

A survey of 100 residents of Velur village were made on the adoption of eco-atmosphere and it is analyzed that all of them ie., 100% of the scrutinized are very much interested in adopting eco-friendly themes for the healthy functioning of our society. They are ready to do anything which is necessary for its flourishment. The only thing is they must be boosted up from any source or groups, organization to function properly for the development and are ready to work in any manner for the same.

Role of Youth in Promoting Ecological Environment It is the youth who should come forward for providing awareness programmes to the society as such. Students from colleges, NSS volunteers etc. can organize awareness programmes, slogans, skits, flash mobs etc. that conveys the ill effects of the deterioration of the society and can pass the message of environment protection. They can address each and everyone to become an ecopreneur in their life even though they are not business magnets. They can convey messages to the college folk on reduction in the use of plastic, paper plates, paper glass, flex etc. They can give awareness on separating degradable and non-degradable waste and provide the same to those who comes for collection. They can take out those posters and flex made of plastic and harmful substances and replace the same with old cloth posters. It is their duty to mould the upcoming new generation entrepreneurs into ecofriendly and indebted to the society.

Need of Ecopreneurship at Velur

Initiating Ecopreneurial activities is very much necessary in order to enhance a healthy and unpolluted atmosphere. As the people don’t find any means to dispose their waste, they throw the same into lonely areas, canals, road sides etc. As the lower class and extremely poor people find it unaffordable to provide extra charges for disposing their waste, they throws the same into nearby canals and lonely areas in their localities. They are not at all bothered about what will happen afterwards on to them and to the society due to this deterioration.

Present role of Entrepreneurs

It is found that most of the business ventures today are only interested in profits and growth without due concern on positive environmental impacts. Almost all the products that reach in the hands of individuals are produced by one or the other entrepreneurs. So it the duty of each and every entrepreneurs to convert themselves into ecopreneurs i.e., by converting their products into eco-friendly labelled which can be recycled and does not harm the atmosphere. They can promote the purchase of eco-friendly products on to their customers through constant awareness through . They can take initiatives to clean the Palakkad city and provide awareness on the importance of sustaining the ecological system for the present and forthcoming healthy generation.

Role of Government

It is the duty of the government to initiate necessary steps for the rehabilitation of our society in the following terms:-  Free waste collection so that the poor people are also benefited in the disposal of waste. Also the government can promote this through subsidized fee to its citizens for collecting all kinds of waste.  Govt. can collect waste and recycle them with the help of Self-help Groups, National Service Schemes, Kudumbasree etc.  Those local agencies who collects waste from the people doesn’t collects items like sanitary napkins, baby diapers etc. which is the main problem for the people to dispose. So it is the duty of the authority to take necessary steps for the effective disposal of the same  Various meetings can be organised in the common places with dignitaries of Palakkad especially with heads of various departments, school, college NSS officers, volunteers etc. on how to undertake this venture into the society.  Awareness programmes at every nook and corner (school, college).  People can be provided with a demonstration on how to make garbage waste into effective fertilizers.  Government can promote youngsters to become ecopreneurs by giving reduction in tax and other amenities to those who carry out their business on an eco-friendly basis.

Conclusion

Eco-preneurships are a bent towards ensuring a clean environment for the benefit of the community. It helps to reduce the negative impact of hazardous substances into our economy. The environmental entrepreneurs also help to reduce carbon emission through the use of renewable energy sources that emanate from solar and wind power. These energy sources therefore help to reduce the costs of production as well; hence leading to more profitability for the eco-preneurships. It is a known fact that eco-preneurships usually have the best waste management systems in place. Therefore, eco-preneurships will have a good reputation and a competitive edge against the other business ventures; hence, this will lead to more customers and thus higher sales volumes.

Even the eco-friendly labelled products have very high demand in the market because people feel it very safe. Companies should therefore be driven towards a sustainable environment so as to ensure that they are able to save costs as well as manage their wastes effectively. The adoption of environmentally responsible business practices can, conceivably, open up an additional range of opportunities for entrepreneurs. The move to a sustainable business framework provides numerous niches that enterprising individuals and firms can successfully identify and service. These include, among other things, the development of new products and services, improvements to the efficiency of existing firms, new methods of marketing and the reconfiguration of existing business models and practices.

By demonstrating the economic benefits that come from being greener, green managers and ecopreneurs can act as a pull factor that entices other firms to proactively go green, in contrast to the ‘push’ factors of government and stakeholder or lobby-group pressure.

Human race can no longer continue to power its growth with the fossil fuel based system that has been employed since the . If we do, the earth’s climate, forests, rivers, oceans, and ecosystems are going to be ravaged and poisoned beyond repair. A point has been reached in history when we must shape our actions throughout the world with a more prudent care for their environmental consequences. Through ignorance or indifference, we can do massive and irreversible harm to the earthly environment on which our life and wellbeing depend. We need a new clean energy system that can drive our economies forward and bring out a healthy atmosphere.

References

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