The 3.5% Rule

Have you ever heard of the 3.5% rule?

This theory states that a dedicated group of people, around 3.5% of a population, is the critical mass needed for a peaceful revolution. By actively engaging in the movement this percentage of the population can create significant widespread change and eventually lead to creating a revolution [1]. As societal, environmental and economic worlds become increasingly intertwined, I will share with you why 3.5% is a critical figure to our world and your business.?

This theory has been seen in action throughout history. For example:?

• The Suffragette movement (1918), led by Emmeline Pankhurst and a small group of women fought for the right to vote [3]. Their highly choreographed demonstration across seven different processions attracted crowds of up to 300,000 causing 3.5% of the population to support the movement leading to the People Act [3].?
• The Velvet Revolution (1989) in Czechoslovakia was sparked by a small group of students peacefully demonstrating and marching against the oppressive communist regime [2]. Their actions created a ripple effect that led to 250,000 people striking in the Vaclavske Square on weekdays and up to 1,000,000 striking in Lenta park on weekends [5]. The constant pressure and quantity of people led to the peaceful overthrow of the 40 years communist rule.?
• The American Civil Rights Movement, led by Martin Luther King Jr., demonstrated the power of peaceful protests in mass numbers in the 1950s. The large and nonviolent movement led to 3.5% of the population standing behind the cause and led to civil and economic rights for Black Americans [4].

More recently, the school strikes for climate change, led by youth activists like Greta Thunberg, have shown the power of a small, dedicated group to create change. The strikes, which began with just a handful of students in Sweden, have grown to include millions of students in over 100 countries, putting pressure on governments and businesses to take action on climate change.

At Greenr, we believe that this theory applies to our mission of getting businesses to take action towards sustainability. We know that saving the planet is a daunting task, but by focusing on a small group of businesses that are willing to make a difference, we can create a ripple effect that will lead to widespread change. With just 3.5% of businesses leading the charge, we have the potential to make a significant and lasting difference in the fight against climate change. But more importantly, those businesses would serve as leaders and examples for others to follow. Each business that joins the movement adds to the critical mass of support and momentum for sustainability, eventually leading to widespread change. So if you're a business owner, executive or individual ready to be part of the change, we urge you to join us in our mission to save the planet. Together, we can make a real impact and be part of the 3.5% that creates change.

At Greenr, we offer a variety of solutions to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. Greenr is the ultimate sustainability solution for businesses, providing a comprehensive end-to-end solution - for measuring, tracking, and reducing carbon emissions at source. Our four key products include a carbon accounting plug-in, an engaging employee app with gamification features, a user-friendly web dashboard, and a diverse offset portfolio. Our products are designed to make sustainability effortless and accessible for businesses of all sizes.

As a business and an individual, you have the power to make a positive impact on climate change and future generations. Imagine a future where businesses work together to create a healthier planet, don't wait for someone else to take the first step, be the change you want to see in the world and join Greenr today.

Together, we can make the world that little bit Greenr.

Sources:?

[1] The '3.5% rule': How a small minority can change the world

[2] Velvet Revolution?

[3] Who were the Suffragettes?.?

[4]American Civil Rights Movement

[5] 1989 Velvet Revolution: a peaceful protest which can inspire!

[6] Greenr