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Olive Ventures- Bringing the Culture of CHOOSE
Homegrown Eco-warriors encourage consumers to reduce carbon footprints |
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Olive Ventures is the brainchild of eco-warriors, Stuart Ong and James Low. It aims to promote environmental awareness and sustainability through its three business lines, “THINK.”, “ACT.” And “CHOOSE.”. What started out as a passion turned into a movement to change the mindset of Singaporeans to go green– one customer at a time. Their entrepreneurial journey is definitely one that inspires, as it encourages young entrepreneurs to pursue their passion and take the unconventional route to achieve their dreams. |
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Being Economics and Finance graduates from the Singapore Management University (SMU), Stuart and James took the path less travelled when they chose to start this green business. They recognised that they had a dynamic partnership and were convinced that their tertiary experience had equipped them with the right skills, critical thinking and mindset for the business venture.
Nonetheless, they realised that they were lacking in knowledge on the green industry. The answers they needed came in the form of a self-funded, 1-month long study mission to the USA, where they met up with many of the front runners in the green industry who were more than willing to provide them with useful advice and share their technologies first-hand. Visits to sustainable organizations and buildings also increased their exposure to environmentally sustainable ideas, products and technologies, which confirmed their notion that there were vast opportunities to be seized in the market.
In the following interview, Stuart Ong, Managing Director of Olive Ventures, shares with us his insights on setting up a green business in Singapore, and the concept of Olive Ventures.
ACE Editor (AE): Can you tell us a little bit more about the 3 concepts behind Olive Ventures?
Stuart: “CHOOSE.” is the retail portion of our business, an eco-store located in the heart of Chinatown that seeks to promote environmentally-friendly products and practices. “THINK.” is the research and development arm which will develop not just products, but also systems and services that are environmentally sustainable. “ACT.”, currently in the planning stage, is the consultancy arm of Olive Ventures. Through “ACT.”, we seek to provide advice to individuals and businesses interested in environmental sustainable business systems and practices. |
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AE: What kind of products does “CHOOSE.” offer to customers desiring to go green?
Stuart: “CHOOSE.” carries a wide range of products that promotes alternative consumption. Our products include reusable lunch boxes, stationery made from recycled materials, organic clothes and toys and natural cleaning products that do not contain harmful chemicals. We also offer energy-related products such as energy efficient lighting, energy monitors and solar/wind chargers.
AE: What are some of your programs and systems designed to encourage environmental sustainability?
Stuart: We provide secure bicycle parking with shower and locker facilities to make it easy for people who want to cycle to work. We give talks at schools and businesses to help spread environmental awareness. We also conduct tours at our shop to give interested parties an introduction to environmental sustainability. In future, we hope to conduct talks and workshops aimed at educating interested citizens on the issues of environmental sustainability.
AE: How is the local market’s receptivity to environmentally-friendly products and going-green programs?
Stuart: We have found that Singaporeans are largely receptive to our products as well as various “going green” programs. The green community is growing but there is still a need to create a higher level of awareness, as there are still misconceptions of what it means to be environmentally sustainable. |
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AE: How do you intend to spread the word and educate the market on the benefits choosing of environment-friendly products and adopting green practices?
Stuart: We have set up an eco-magazine/blog, which is our little space on the web where we present ideas, opinions, the latest eco-news, and tips on how you can do some good for the world’s sustainability. As we are Singaporeans ourselves, our goal is to present the low-down on global environmental issues with local relevance. |
AE: With similar businesses emerging, how would you stay ahead of competition and differentiate your brand?
Stuart: We intend to do this by establishing a full suite of services that does not focus only on retail, but also encompasses a full range of talks and workshops and strategic partnerships with other green businesses to cross-promote our services.
AE: What are the upcoming plans for Olive Ventures?
Stuart: We are currently in the process of setting up our online store and community. We are also continually looking and testing newer and better products as well as securing the distribution rights for the products we see potential in.
CHOOSE. by Olive Ventures can be located at 26A Sago Street S(059021).
Olive Ventures’s eco-magazine/blog can be found at http://www.oliveventures.com.sg . |
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