Canadian $1 coins, called "loonies," have become the target of an ingenious anti-oil tanker campaign by the Dogwood Initiative. The environmental organization based in Victoria, British Columbia is distributing 200,000 decals that fit perfectly over the country’s beloved national bird, the common loon, pictured on the one dollar coin.
The group wants to make people aware of what could happen to Canada’s unspoiled West Coast shores if oil tankers are allowed to continue to navigate BC’s Hecate Strait, Queen Charlotte Sound and Douglas Channel.
The cost of the project to deliver the Dogwood Initiative’s poignant message was less than $10,000, and I can tell you, if I found one of these coins in my change, it would compel me to find out what it meant and who was behind tampering with my ‘loonie’.
I think it’s a brilliantly creative idea! Visit the group’s Notankers.ca site to find out more and sign a petition.
‘Loonie' Anti-Oil Activism
Canada's Dogwood Intitiative ‘No Tankers'
Trend Themes
1. Anti-oil Activism - The trend of using creative campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of oil tankers on the West Coast of Canada.
2. Visual Communication - The trend of utilizing imagery and symbols to evoke emotional responses and communicate a message.
3. Low-cost Activism - The trend of using minimal resources to create impactful and effective campaigns.
Industry Implications
1. Environmental Advocacy - There is room for disruption in the environmental advocacy industry by employing creative tactics to communicate messages in impactful ways.
2. Graphic Design - There is an opportunity for graphic designers to provide innovative artwork and design solutions for advocacy organizations.
3. Currency - There may be opportunity to incorporate creative designs on currency to raise awareness about causes and promote socio-political messaging.