We are attempting to compile a list of the 'sexiest' reasons to recycle X (X=aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles, plastic cups, etc., anything really that one might find at a tailgate event). While 'sexy' is open to interpretation, we are looking for the wow factor items (for lack of a better example . . .e.g. Energy saved from recycling one aluminum can will run a TV for 3 hours). So, what is the 'sexiest' reason you have heard to recycle; what wowed you the most?
Thanks in advance.
Nathan Martin
University of Memphis
United States
Sexiest Reason to Recycle?
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Of course that has nothing to do with recycling! How about those inuendo 'I do it' commercials? You know the ones - 'I do it at work' 'I do it in public' 'I was doing it wrong, but a friend showed me how to do it properly'
Go Memphis!
Aaron Boulton-Chaykowski
Water Management Analyst
City of Calgary, Water Resources
Canada
Good question Nathan! I am always working to make composting and recycling sexier on our campus.. Do you have a source for your fact that I could reference?
Aaron - I haven't heard of those commercials. Is there a website or online resource? I'd like to check them out.
Thanks!
Kisti Thomas
Materials Conservation Coordinator & Research/Office Assistant
Campus Sustainability Office - University of Winnipeg
Canada
sustainability.uwinnipeg.ca
I once ran a front of the local newspaper campaign to inform people about a recycling pickup site that they should "Get off your can, and bring them to us!" There was a photo of me holding a sign with those words. That may be considered sexy or be turned into a sexy campaign complete with male/female holding a can and hanging a moon. It would stir some controversy.
Roger Lohr
United States
How about going for some "hard core" stuff? I hope I don't too many critiques that this may be exploitive, the approach seems to work selling beer.
A visual (poster or panels on a brochure, or if you are rich, a TV video spot) showing a passable looking guy in the middle background putting materials into a recycling bin. In the foreground is a drop dead gorgeous woman saying (if in a video with a purr in her voice) something like "I really like a man who knows how to make things last. Maximize your resources, recycle."
Maybe with some creative thought some better lines could be created, but the point is to inject a bit of double meaning into her message.
Mel Tremper
United States
Arron,
Can you please post the Memphis contact info? I did a search and was unsuccessful.
Catherine Allin
Industrial Waste Inspector
City of Millbrae WPCP
United States
ci.millbrae.ca.us
I'm afraid I am against 'sexualising' the message. I know that for younger folk this might be seen as a fun way to get the message across, but this approach perpetuates a certain kind of thinking that leads on to much deeper issues. The principles of sustainability are about respect, so let's elevate ourselves.
wendy patterson
Australia
...
Recently (and along the lines of tailgate parties) David Suzuki's commercial about how much money you save from unplugging that mostly empty beer fridge in the basement/garage - I think it was $100 a year (so whatever that is in beer equivalents). I don't have a beer fridge but I found a way to get everything in my basement freezer moved up to my fridge-freezer so I could unplug it! I prefer scotch anyways so no refrigeration required!
Aaron Boulton-Chaykowski
Water Management Analyst
City of Calgary, Water Resources
Canada