These Surfrider Foundation ads show that when there's garbage in the ocean, it comes back around and ends up being what humans eat. The ads were developed for the Surfrider Foundation Europe by Amsterdam-based agency Young & Rubicam, and they take the style of a food chain, showing that ocean trash is consumed by fish, which is then eaten by people.
The whimsical ads are playfully illustrated, in a style that's almost reminiscent of the storybook telling of the 'The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.' From just the top perspective, some of the angles of the trash drawings makes it a little difficult to tell what they are, but either way, you know that those objects are not fit for human or animal consumption.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Ocean Trash Awareness
- Opportunities for innovative campaigns or products aimed at increasing public awareness about ocean trash and its impact on marine life and human health.
- Circular Economy
- Opportunities to create or promote sustainable practices that prevent trash from entering the ocean, such as upcycling and waste reduction.
- Sustainable Seafood
- Opportunities to promote and invest in sustainable fishing practices that prioritize the health of marine ecosystems.
Where This Applies
- Advertising and Marketing
- Opportunities for agencies to develop creative and effective campaigns that engage the public and drive behavior change regarding ocean trash.
- Consumer Goods
- Opportunities for manufacturers to invest in environmentally-friendly packaging and waste reduction practices that can help minimize the amount of trash that enters the ocean.
- Fishing and Seafood
- Opportunities for the fishing industry to prioritize sustainable fishing practices and promote eco-friendly seafood options to consumers.
