Drink Charitably!

In these times of economic uncertainty, I think everyone is a little cautious and fearful of what is going to happen next.  And regardless of politics, it is clear that both the government & the private sector need a little introspection.  Both seem to be living beyond their means.  So what can you do?  

Drink wine, that’s what!

I know that sounds silly, but here is my thought.  Despite the current economy, the U.S. is still by magnitudes the wealthiest & most productive nation on Earth.  Our GDP hovers around $14 Trillion.  Heck, the top 20 corporations in the country have combined revenues of $2.9 Trillion alone.  My calculator simply doesn’t have that many placeholders!

Now imagine if every company in the world dedicated just 1% of their net revenues to help others get back on their feet through direct charitable donation.  The organization 1% for the Planet suggests that this is something to consider — and that ‘profits to charity’ is a little too squishy (profits can hide $$’s, they suggest) so they endorse companies that give %’s of the top line — the revenue line — one that can’t be disputed.

Now take those GDP numbers (or even just the numbers of the top 20 corporations) and multiply it by 1%.  The number is enormous…and given directly to charity rather than to the government to re-allocate to welfare programs, it would greatly lighten the burden of the government and directly help millions in need.

The goal of Humanitas used to be to give 100% of my profits to charity — but I’ve embraced the message of giving directly from my revenue line and am working off of giving 7% of my revenues to charity.  Anyone familiar with the wine biz knows that profits are slim — despite appearances, it is not a high margin business by a long shot and most wineries are struggling to have any profits.  Our ’7% Solution’ is simply a way of setting our sights high…achieving them…and doing something to make the world a better place — one sip at a time.

Now take a look at your own company and imagine if it gave just 1% of it’s revenues to charity.  Or 5% or 7%…or more.  Most likely it is a big number.  I know I can’t expect everyone to do this — but just imagine if they did.  What a great solution!  Let me know your thoughts…and as always…drink charitably!