We certainly get some strange insights into the misguided perceptions large businesses trying to promote their green credentials. This week we received a green biscuit in the shape of a pig emblazoned with a B&Q logo; it was completely over packaged and an expensive waste of resources. Anyone with a passing interest in green issues would see RED when opening such direct mail promotion! We’re trying to encourage sustainable life styles – do marketeers and PR agencies not get it?
So what’s a B&Q Green Pig biscuit trying to promote? Prince Charles’ Royal (Green) Train tour around the UK publicising his green Start campaign. OK this might help raise awareness of the issues we are all facing; however does Prince Charles’ current or past lifestyle really make you think he’s living in a sustainable manor…NO! I suspected most of us would have had to live hundreds, if not thousands of lives to use the same amount of carbon he’s consumed!
And why did the tour go in such a wasteful route! Glasgow on Monday 6 September, before heading to Edinburgh, Carmarthen, Bristol, then up north again to Newcastle, Todmorden, Manchester, Nottingham, and Birmingham, before ending up in London. Finally: what’s wrong with using normal trains, with an extra First Class carriage added for him or better still economy one like everyone else has to travel in!
If you’d like to know more please contact bandq@z-pr.com
B&Q sustainable PR sends out the wrong message
