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January 19, 2008
Communicating a Change in the Wind.
As the first Wind Energy Conference of Arkansas took place in Fort Smith, one of the speakers made good use of the famous line, ”The future isn’t what it used to be.” It made a point we all need to realize — when it comes to green energy and responsible environmental stewardship, we are facing real change that is not going away. Unlike past decades of temporary high gasoline prices and fringe associated eco-messages, this trend is going to stick. Due in part to the globalization of energy consumption, we will soon be altering our vision of future energy practices.
As we move forward in embracing environmentally safer forms of energy, corporations will need to tailor brand-centric messages, both internally and externally, toward proper environmental stewardship and energy use in association with their corporate brands. (Such as Clorox working with the Sierra Club to develop and promote environmentally safer cleaning solutions – Green Works.) Our social responsibility is to improve the world we use. The question still remains — how do we get individuals, land owners, and corporate culture to rethink what natural resources are endangered, and what it really takes to improve our condition? Sure, it’s the right and moral thing to do, but how do we create messaging so compelling that all groups realize it in a timely fashion?
Wind power is emerging as a clean energy solution with real strength. Governor Mike Beebe, has shown forward thinking and action on legislative issues to keep things moving in the right direction, and the location of global wind blade leader LM Glasfiber in the state puts a very intriguing economic development opportunity before Arkansas. The rest will rely on effective communication.
C3 Brandworks is excited to be involved in shaping these communication solutions through our association with ECCOpartners.org. We look forward to seeing the results of our local communities rethinking this issue to bring about generational change — and bringing about the economic benefits of recycling and clean energy development for ourselves and our familes' futures.
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January 12, 2008
Green Issues Driving Great Auto Design.
As the auto industry faces an engineering challenge to radically redesign its products to appeal to audiences eager for planet-friendly vehicles, designers are steering them into the future by making these new models fun, engaging and even cute. Something this cute has to be good for the planet, right?
We no longer have to fear being forced to drive "milk cartons" on wheels. We can look forward to embracing a radically different and innovative product with enthusiasm. It will be very interesting to watch which big auto nameplates will be the first to offer these concepts as viable vehicles.
We don't know how these will play with the Hummer crowd but C3Brandworks has already picked our company vehicle from the pack.
Honda PUYO
Nissan PIVO1
Nissan PIVO2
PIVO2 Dash
Toyota RiN
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January 1, 2008
Wal-Mart's Reusable Shopping Bags Are Here.
We are very happy to report that Wal-Mart's reusable shopping bags are now available — so we can all start our new year grocery shopping off right.
Since last year Wal-Mart has worked to prove their green initiatives are legitimate and not just corporate "green-washing". From a brand-centric principle...Wal-Mart is delivering on a promise they made to their employees, shareholders, customers, and communities.
Most notable was their hire of Sierra Club President/green activist, Adam Werbach, who wisely put his pre-conceived notions aside in order to reach a global audience on a global issue. It's working. Wal-Mart has brought the compact flourscent light bulb into the mainstream and now the reusable shopping bag.
It is an added plus that these bags aren’t plastered with the huge block type and star across the sides (which would have been an embarrassment to carry) but they are black and very cleanly designed. They feature the slogan "Paper or Plastic? Neither." The Wal-Mart name is on the sewn-in seam tag only. They are actually the nicest looking reusable bags we have purchased.
The new bags are made from a fabric containing rPET, with 85% recycled content and hold more than twice the amount of an average plastic bag. They were easy to carry - even loaded with cans and awkward items.
The bags sell for only $1 and are located near checkout aisles in Wal-Mart stores. Wal-Mart will also take the bags back at the end of their life-span for recycling.
Props to Wal-Mart for taking their position in the global marketplace and using it to make a difference for our environment. Definitely a step in the right direction! Have a great green new year in 2008!