Time is Running Out

Agency: Scholz & Friends

Client: Bund

Art Direction: I don’t even know where to begin—this is such a stellar concept. This is truly top-notch design and execution. It’s violent without being absurd or offensive, and still communicates the danger and peril this animal is facing, and the potential permanent damage we’re doing. As my bff Karly (EcoDiva) says, “Dude. 5 minutes to midnight” (If you’ve never seen/read Watchmen, get off your computer and go buy it. Download it. Whatever you have to do). This ad does a great job connecting you to the problem at hand. This is one ad you’re guaranteed to feel for a long time. In terms of design, whoever did the graphics for this piece needs an award. Seriously. I don’t know who you are, but you have talent in spades.

Rating: 5/5

Copywriting: This is one of those wonderful rare pieces where the copy isn’t even really necessary—that’s how powerful the imagery is. However, for the dull tools in the shed, the apt, “Every 60 seconds a species dies out. Each minute counts, each donation helps.” However, the copy compliments the piece wonderfully, and really—what copy could outshine the concept?! I mean really. Can’t be done.

Rating: 5/5

WTG, Bund.

As one of the many predators in the ocean, seals, sea lions and walruses (or pinnipeds, as they’re known in the science world) are one of the most threatened species who receive some of the least amounts of attention. Of the 33 species of pinnipeds, the IUCN has listed five as endangered

Threats pinnipeds face:

            *Habitat destruction: Many pinnipeds are found in the Arctic: where melting ice and increased co2 levels are threatening their survival.

            *Pollution: (Did you know? Sea lions used to live abundantly in the Hudson river. Thanks to pollution, they don’t anymore).

            *The fur trade: Seals are slaughtered in Greenland, Namibia, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Britain, Finland, South Africa, the U.S. and Canada. I’ll be honest, the PETA crowd is a big turn-off to me. They’re a little extreme in all the wrong ways—they’re not helping the cause. Dumping paint on fur, demonizing anybody who enjoys a hamburger, etc. is just bogus to me. However, they’re one of the top enemies of the harvesting of seals—they gave seals a voice, and for that I’m grateful, and I’m sure the seals are as well. Thanks to organizations like PETA, we see just how the fur trade affects seal populations:

How to help:

            Avoid these products and brands:

      Omega-3 Fatty Acid Tablets: Terra Nova, Canomega, and Omegavite.

      Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Birger Christensen, New Vogue, and Vogue Furriers, and Pajar.

            

            Live in Canada? Participate in the Canadian Seafood Boycott.

            Minimize your carbon footprint and your plastic usage. Calculate your footprint. EcoDiva has great tips on how to minimize your footprint without minimizing your lifestyle.