Editor’s note: This piece is part of our Columnist Network series, which explores the tactical thoughts and actions from Adweek’s community of high-level experts. Today’s column is the second installment in Jonathan Hanson’s series on sustainability. Below, he reflects on internal decision-making as an indicator of long-term brand success. This past week, I’ve been thinking…
Based on the notable increase in high-profile sustainability initiatives from companies like FedEx, Salesforce, GM and a plethora of others, it’s clear that brands are recognizing how highly environmental issues rank amongst today’s consumers–especially with Gen Z. Electronics and smartphone brand Samsung is continuing to stoke the conversation with the help of high-profile partners: the…
Volvo kicked off a public-service campaign to help educate Twitter’s captive audience during Super Bowl 56 about electric vehicles–all of them, not just Volvo’s–with the help of school kids and a video camera. The campaign is called “EV as ABC,” as in, “easy as ABC,” and Volvo and Twitter created a branded hashtag-triggered emoji that…
The science is clear–we’re not on track to avoid the devastating effects of climate change. That’s not great news for humanity. But you know who else it’s not good for? A supervillain who wants to take full responsibility for destroying the world on his own terms. In General Motors’ 2022 Super Bowl ad, Mike Myers…
On average, a truckload of plastic is discarded in the ocean every minute and, barring any change to policies or behavior, the world will produce four times as much plastic by 2050 compared to this year. Greenpeace is highlighting the plastic pollution crisis with a striking campaign that artistically depicts original plastic products thrown away…
‘Tis the season for awards shows. But this year, climate activist group Clean Creatives wants to bring something different to the stage. Following a year of historic climate-related disasters that cost $145 billion, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and what was likely thousands of lives, Clean Creatives is hosting an awards show…
While we continue to ponder the wonders of the mysterious metaverse, software company Salesforce and newly-minted brand partner and advisor Matthew McConaughey remind us that there is still a real-life Earth that is in dire need of our attention and care. Just in the time for the Winter Olympics opening ceremonies, the brand debuted “The…
Switching from gas-powered to electric vehicles takes some getting used to. EV charging brand Wallbox is the first to admit it. For its Super Bowl debut, the Barcelona-based company wants to show that it’s more than possible to make the switch–even for people with the biggest barriers. In the 60-second cut of its Big Game…
Ikea’s Swedish meatballs have already reached icon status. Now they are the basis of an unusual experiment by the retailer to entice tech talent to join the company. Ikea is recruiting for more than 150 technology and innovation jobs this year. To hook talent “with imagination,” it used an equally ingenious method to advertise the…
Throughout 2021, climate issues wrestled their way to the forefront. The U.S. alone was hit with more than $145 billion in damages from climate-related disasters last year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Flash floods, bomb cyclones, wildfires and frigid temperatures took hundreds of lives all across the country. In October, the United…
One of Unilever’s largest investors recently broke rank, publishing a letter that expressed strong dissatisfaction at the Purposeful Brands strategy Unilever has been spearheading since establishing the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) back in 2010. In the letter, Terry Smith, the founder of Fundsmith–a top-10 shareholder in the FMCG giant–poked fun at the company’s “ludicrous”…
Keeping things clean is a good thing, but the need for more sustainable products that work as well as existing brands has been a growing concern for many consumers. With long-standing cleaning supply companies embracing more eco-friendly practices, some newer brands are popping up to fill a sizable hole in the market when it comes…
Walmart is betting big on a new type of efficient indoor farming for its California stores. The big box giant announced this week it is investing in vertical farming startup Plenty as part of the South San Francisco company’s $400 million Series E funding round. The deal will allow Walmart to begin shipping leafy greens…
France has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. As part of its battle against climate change, car advertisers in the country will soon be required by law to include messaging that encourages viewers not to use their cars, a measure some in the industry have questioned in terms of effectiveness. The…
In Adam McKay’s 2021 apocalyptic film Don’t Look Up, public relations firms aren’t part of the story that plays out on screen. As a planet-killing asteroid hurtles toward Earth, scientists, journalists, politicians, pundits, conspiracy theorists and celebrities are all satirized by a star-studded cast including Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and Ariana…
Environmentally conscious investors seeking to “do well by doing good” are shifting their money to funds that promise “fossil-free investing.” But their good intentions are often thwarted by mischaracterizations in prospectuses and marketing materials. Although claims of fossil-free investment funds are perfectly legal, advocates like nonprofit social investing watchdog As You Sow are pressing the…
While the past few years have challenged many to reflect and reconsider purpose-driven career paths, Christine Arena has been on this journey for her entire 20-year career. Her focus on sustainability and social impact storytelling is making waves in the ad industry and, in short, her work is directly aimed at making the world a…
After reviewing its client roster to align with a new climate strategy, the world’s largest PR firm made no commitment to end its work for fossil fuel clients. Instead, the company’s CEO Richard Edelman told Adweek that it will work alongside clients to improve their climate plans and reduce emissions and impact. “We’re going to…
Our food systems are continuing to change at a dizzying pace as consumers become more invested in the stories and sources behind the food they eat. The biggest question they have: How can my food choices have a positive impact on climate change? Global warming has undoubtedly transformed what we eat, both because of increased…
Editor’s note: This piece is part of our Columnist Network series, which explores the tactical thoughts and actions from Adweek’s community of high-level experts. Today, Long Dash’s Kate Watts reviews the environmental impact of shipping and delivery services. Below, in her own words, she says a brand’s expression of values must extend to its supply…
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