Going Green as a Zola Goods Coordinator

December 3, 2008

Glenn Croston

The green business world has grown immensely, but is still just scratching the surface of the opportunities for entrepreneurs and consumers.  While increasing numbers of entrepreneurs are drawn to starting a green business, many have limited time and money.  I often get asked “What kind of green business can I start with very little money?” Consumers who want to go green can be held back by a lack of good information about what to do and where to start with green changes that make sense in their lives.  Business models that can bridge these gaps for entrepreneurs and for consumers will help bring green to the masses.  Zola Goods is working to do just this with coordinators who arrange parties bringing green products to people.   

As a mother of two young children, Remmes has worked herself to balance her home life with her desire to earn a living and make a positive difference in the world.  After considering a retail storefront providing green goods and information, she decided against it.  “All of a sudden it occurred to me that if women were willing to gather to talk about and buy kitchen products or make-up, then I thought they would also be interested in learning how to help the environment and save money in the process. Also, this model allows people who are passionate about the environment to help spread the message in their community and earn a supplemental income.” 

Zola offers a wide range of products, focusing on affordable eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products.   The items they offer include those that reduce  (such as water and energy savers); items that are reusable (such as Wrap-n-Mats, shopping bags, to-go ware, stainless steel water bottles); and also items that are made from recycled material (such asfoil wrapper bags, or recycled paper note cards and journals). They also provide eco-friendly candles, fun family games and other green gift ideas. 

Coordinators are often moms seeking income and flexible hours, people who are seeking ways to get involved in the green business revolution without turning their lives upside down.  “This will be an ongoing process as I work to get the word out to anyone who may be interested in helping to bring about change in their communities. The only requirement is that someone wants to make a positive difference,” said Remmes.  “The most successful coordinators find a way to be of service in their community and become the hub for green information beyond Zola products.” Coordinators also let people know about local recycling information, farmer's markets or green festivals. The start-up cost for a Coordinator is only $149 for a kit containing a number of items that can be used in daily life and for demonstrations at parties.  The kit also includes all of the training materials needed.       

How do Coordinators generally find opportunities to organize parties?  “Most Coordinators have parties for their friends and neighbors and then expand outward to include co-workers, parents/teachers from the local schools or other organizations. Being green is something that so many people hear about, but they don't really know exactly what it means. So, when they have the chance to learn more about it in a fun evening with others, people are happy to host or attend parties. From Tupperware to cosmetics - this is a model that has been successful for many years.” 

It's worth noting that while Zola is a direct sales company it is not a multi-level marketing system and it is transparent in its operations.  Coordinators earn a commission directly on 20% of products sold, with no recruiting or sales requirements, no quotas, and no hierarchical pyramid.  “The emphasis is on education and by offering the products for sale, the parties bridge the gap between hearing the information and then acting on it by purchasing eco-friendly alternatives,” said Remmes. 

The market for green is still wide open, barely scratching the mainstream.  Zola’s model may be one key to bringing green to more mainstream consumers, and helping entrepreneurial individuals join the green business world as well.

For more, check out their website at: www.ZolaGoods.com