Eco Marketing

We can all take ourselves a bit too seriously. Wavy Gravy, the Woodstock clown activist famously said, "We're all just bozos on the bus." How true.

So in the midst of work. Life. Deadlines. And holiday celebrations, join me in taking time to play. Recharge. And dance through life. As the president and creative director of a green advertising and marketing agency near Minneapolis, I make it a priority whenever I am on either coast to dip my feet into the Atlantic or Pacific, no matter what my schedule or weather. 

Creativity comes from within. So when it comes to shining light on yoga advertising, social change communications, the organic industry or wellness marketing—try to work in some play time by the sea.You'll nurture new ways of seeing life and work. 



Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director of firefly180 marketing—a Minneapolis-based branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing. 

Friends had a baby recently. As I thought about gifts I could bring to celebrate the arrival of their daughter, I couldn't help but think about the fact that new moms are the gateway to green buying.

So while I know that typical baby gifts include clothes and toys, I thought I would offer them something a bit different. A clean start so to speak. So included in my reusable gift bag, (with clothes and toys) I also added some of my favorite green cleaning products. Why? Most commercial cleaners contain a chemical cocktail that is as harmful to babies and their parents as  the planet. If you want to get your home really clean, start with clean and green products.

I've spent my career in the green advertising and marketing business. It's not just a way of work for me. It's a way of life. I've had the honor to launch and evolve brands using green and eco ad campaigns, work with organic branding, wellness marketing, LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) marketing and more.

I've won lots of awards and had the honor to work with many amazing businesses and organizations. But I'm most proud of the fact that my work and my life are very much in alignment. After all, at the center of all great brands is authenticity. Why would you hire an advertising or marketing agency that was anything less?

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director of firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing. 

While I'm not a big sports fan, I am definitely a fan of green. So when friends invited me to a Twins game the other night, I have to confess I was a bit more excited about the green and eco-conscious Target Field stadium than I was about the game itself.

There are all kinds of way to weave green into our daily lives. Sports is one way. Marketing is  another. As the head of a Twin Cities marketing and advertising agency that specializes in green ad campaigns, green energy marketing, social change communications and wellness marketing, I know the power of consumers to create change in the world. Often I hear people say that they feel powerless to make changes. They feel that one person can't make a difference. They're right. And they're wrong.

The perfection lies in the fact that when each of us as individuals says, "yes," to a change, there are others doing the same. They often feel alone, but are actually connected to the whole. Change happens in magical ways. Twenty years ago, who would have ever imagined a green baseball stadium? The world IS changing. All we need to do is get in the game.

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director of firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing. 

While discs for data storage seem to be on the edge of extinction, there are still times when they come in handy. And when they do, consider EcoDiscs. I got mine as a sample in the mail and have to admit, I'm intrigued.

Fifty two percent less C02 emissions, 50% less polycarbonate, 50% less production energy and no toxic binder...how can you go wrong?

As the head of a green and LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health & Sustainability) marketing agency near Minneapolis, my teams and I are very intentional that the materials we spec for production are as green as our message. For instance, 100% post-consumer, chlorine free fiber paper and soy-based inks are standard.

Why? Because the materials you use are just as much a part of your brand story as the words and images. Now that choices are opening in the world of data storage, here's one more opportunity for extending a mantra of sustainability. After all, what goes around, comes around. 

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director of firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing. 

If your company hosts a conference or annual meeting, take a break from Orlando, LA or NYC, invite colleagues to a green beach for a change of venue and change of heart. Resorts like Eco Tulum's Cabanas Copal.

On the Mexican Riviera and near stunning Mayan ruins, a venue like Copal may not have the amenities of a resort hotel—like electricity. But you might be surprised at the creativity starlit nights, brightened by torches or candles and accented with the gentle whisper of waves can inspire.

As the owner of a green marketing company and leader in social change communications, organic branding and the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) consumer, I've launched countless green ad  and wellness campaigns. When you live and work in this category, it's not only important to walk your talk—it's vital. That's why I'm heading to Copal for my company retreat. And that's where i'll recharge—becoming one with my own source of renewable energy.


Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director of firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

Minneapolis and St. Paul are both hotbeds for creativity. So it's no surprise that there are countless advertising agencies and marketing firms to choose from. But how do you choose one that's right for you? 

If you have a green product, service or mission, it's essential to choose an agency that speaks your language. It's not enough to create a green marketing campaign that expresses the eco-consciousness of your product. Environmentally-friendly attributes alone are not enough to entice your customers to open their wallets.

So take a close look at the work of several green marketing and LOHAS marketing firms. Meet with them. Get a vibe. Talk to their clients. Ask for quantitative results of campaigns they've created. Then dive in. Have fun. And know that you are actively harnessing the power of consumer choice to create positive change in the world.

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director of firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

If you haven't checked out Al Gore's Confronting Climate Change message on Google Earth, do it now. 

As a leader in renewable energy marketing and green marketing, I know first-hand how the power of education can inspire change. This platform, activated in honor of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, is simple, informative and very cool. So invite Al and other climate change leaders into your home or office via Google Earth. Then take action now to reduce your CO2 emissions and support renewable energy.


Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director of firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing. 

If you are concerned about climate change and want to make your voice heard, go to Repower America's Wall now. It's a great way to be part of the UN Summit in Copenhagen without burning carbon dioxide to get there. 

You can leave a text or video message and join thousands of like-minded citizens from across the globe, including luminaries like Stephen Hawking, to mere mortals like me. You'll find my post here. As a leader in green marketing, eco-marketing, social change communication and renewable energy marketing, I love this platform. It's fast. It's easy. And it gives immediate voice to our hopes, fears and vision for our future.

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director of firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing. 

According to treehugger.com:

"A new study by the University of Rochester found that after looking at nature scenes, people feel closer to their community, are willing to give more money to a charitable cause, and care more about social outcomes than they are after looking at man-made scenes. The reason, the researchers state, is communing with nature helps people also commune with their basic values."

Of course, those of us who have pioneered green marketing categories like  LOHAS  (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) and environmental marketing, discovered this fact long ago. But it's always great when research quantifies what we've arrived at through intuition, experience and proven success.  

As the head of a Minnesota marketing agency that specializes in yoga advertising, green ad campaigns, organic branding, social change communication and eco marketing, I have long believed that the reason an image from nature resonates so strongly is that while most of us live in cities, we are intrinsically connected to the natural world.

Even if we see a dandelion poking through cement, sunlight rippling over a fountain, or a moon rising over a cityscape, we can't help but be entranced. We are drawn to all that's green, living and alive. That's the essence of being human. And it's only natural. 

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director of firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

I head a marketing agency in Minnesota and was at a photo shoot yesterday. Since I've worked for years creating green ad campaigns, eco promotions, environmental advertising and green marketing services, I know the power of images to convey excitement, beauty, inspiration and message.

Yesterday as I watched the shoot and the images unfold, this understanding resonated even more deeply. Consumers are extraordinarily attuned to what they experience through their senses. Shapes, colors, images, shadow and composition are all viewed, processed and cataloged through their eyes.

When working to develop green marketing strategy, I liken the photos or images we use to a beautifully wrapped gift. These images attract consumers. Cause excitement. Anticipation. It is the wrapping that entices consumers to "open" the box. But it's the gift of the "message" that your customers will thank you for. 


Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director of firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

I attended the global premier of In the Age of Stupid in NYC last night. This new film addresses the climate change crisis and the need for action we and our world leaders must take in Copenhagen this December. This film is 2009's answer to Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth.

Last night's premier was broadcast live via satellite throughout the globe and was attended by 1 million people—surpassing Star Wars, and is set to break a world record. Already inspiring international action, this film is a testament to the power of media, storytelling and good grass roots marketing. Check out www.ageofstupid.net.

As a leader in green marketing, renewable energy marketing, organic internet marketing and eco advertising, climate change has been a passion of mine since I began working on TV and green energy print campaigns more than a decade ago. I've seen the power of consumer choice. And I've been honored to create messaging that has educated, empowered and created real change.

In the Age of Stupid offers a powerful message about pending disaster, but also one of hope. I am proud to answer writer/director Frannie Armstrong's call to action to join millions of people in reducing my CO2 emissions at least 10% by 2010.

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

I'm attending the world premier of, The Age of Stupid in NYC tonight. It's being launched from a solar powered cinema tent to more than 400 theaters nationwide. The film is about a man living alone in the devastated world of 2055, lamenting why we didn't do something about climate change when we had a chance?

As the head of a an advertising and marketing agency that specializes in green energy marketing, environmental advertising, green ad campaigns, eco promotions and green event marketing, I couldn't be more excited about attending this premier.

The team on this film got it right. Not only is the topic of the film vital, but the NYC solar powered cinema tent and "green" celebrity carpet is an excellent strategy to garner media attention and drive ticket sales.

Green marketing is about so much more than "selling." It's about creating a lasting and meaningful experience. Inspiring action. And creating positive change. I'm hoping that The Age of Stupid becomes not only a catalyst for change, but a film that move others to use to power of media for good.

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

I love the practice of yoga. I also love jewelry. So when Lisa Anderson, a jewelry designer from the Berkshires asked for some branding assistance with her yoga inspired line, I couldn't wait to begin.

As the head of a Minnesota marketing agency that specializes in yoga marketing, environmental marketing, eco promotions, green energy marketing and LOHAS marketing, I help clients grow their businesses while helping consumers align with their values.

Lisa Anderson's jewelry is a personal passion. Worn by yoga devotees and novices alike, her line of gold and silver lotus pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings inspire and convey deep personal meaning and beauty (http://lisaandersonjewelery.com). So should her brand.  And as we begin work, it will. Just like yoga, branding is the practice of finding balance, flexibility and presence.


Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

Will sex sell to to apathetic guys? The new eco website www.angrygreengirl.com certainly hopes so.

Targeted at men who might be cajoled into taking eco action by self-described "hot" babes, this site isn't for everyone. But as a new launch in the green scene, the brand is clearly unique.

As the head of a green advertising agency and an expert in the categories of organic marketing, green online marketing, sustainable advertising, social change marketing and eco communication, I've worked with a lot of eco businesses to create advertising and marketing strategies that build movements and garner millions of media impressions.

But I have to admit, I've never recommended launching a new green site with the offer of free, eco, waterless car washes for hybrid drivers by bikini-clad models. But then, I've never worked on a brand like angrygreengirl.com.

Will this new venture make it? Who knows. But the market will soon decide whether this site is sexy. Or just silly.

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

If you ever doubt that the actions of few can change the world, take a look at the Peace Wall in Prague.

But take a good look, because tomorrow, the wall may look entirely different. This living piece of art, which began as a kind of protest by a few who dared to speak their truth as the Berlin Wall was falling, continues to spread the message of hope, change, self-actualization and empowerment.

Like the ultimate brand, this wall is alive. Evolving. Responsive. Meaningful. Lasting. Aspirational. Authentic. And unique.

As a leader in LOHAS marketing, environmental advertising, social change marketing, alternative advertising and eco business, I've spent my career creating advertising strategies and campaigns that empower consumers to live in alignment with their values. But just as importantly, my work has been about supporting the growth and profitability of businesses and organizations that create positive change.

The Peace Wall is an organic piece of art. It stands as a testament to the power of the written word. The power of creativity. And the power of the human spirit. Just like a good brand. 

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

Government is often criticized for being too big. Too slow. And too late.

Not the case for the wildly popular Cash for Clunkers campaign. In fact, according to one of my favorite eco news sources, Environmental Leader, this program which is one part green public relations,  two parts sustainable marketing strategy and seven parts economy-boosting eco business brilliance—has resulted in a 58% increase in fuel efficiency.

As a leader in LOHAS marketing, organic branding, green energy and sustainable marketing arena, I love the fact that 700,000 gas guzzlers were traded in for more fuel efficient models. I also love the fact that this quick cash infusion has meant that many auto industry jobs from salespeople to line workers were saved. At least for now. 

The beauty of good green business strategy is that it is based on a model of inherent sustainability. That means both profit for a business and low impact on the planet. U.S. car makers, buckling under pressure from shareholders, have for too long focused on short term gains. This was not only arrogant. It was bad business all around.

Now that U.S. car makers have been forced to reap what they have sown, I only hope that they have seen the light. And that they launch a course correction that is not about big and bigger. But green and greener.  


Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

Toyota's Prius has done it again. This is a brand that continues to innovate, connect with consumers and push technological boundaries. Their new rooftop solar array that pulls hot air out of the car while parked, reduces the need for air conditioning—thereby increasing fuel efficiency.

As the head of a green advertising agency that specializes in environmental public relations, eco friendly marketing, natural advertising, LOHAS marketing and green energy, I can't help but love this brand. I just hope U.S. car manufacturers are watching. Learning. And greening.

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

Ugh. I love Sigg bottles. I've bought them for friends. Recommended them as a campaign element in clients' green marketing efforts. And have been a brand enthusiast for years.

Now the brand is up to their eyeballs in a full-blown media crisis. Why? While its CEO may claim the issue is all a matter of semantics, the fact is Sigg was less than truthful about the presence of BPA in the lining of its bottles prior to 2006. As the head of a green advertising and marketing agency that specializes in sustainable advertising, green public relations and LOHAS marketing, I feel Sigg's pain.

And I understand their temptation to walk the fine edge of the truth. After all, they could rationalize that the BPA presence in their bottle lining was a non-leaching presence, so therefore it was no big deal. But it was a big deal. And the fact is, it is NEVER a good idea to tell less than the truth. Because at some point, the whole truth is always revealed.

So the next time you feel the need to dance around the truth. To tell parts of it. To offer less than full disclosure. Consider the predicament of Sigg—a former poster child for eco-consciousness. This once trusted brand no longer has the full faith of its fans. Consumers feel deceived. And damage control, if it is possible, will be immensely costly. Ask yourself, "Was it worth it?"

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

It's state fair time in Minnesota and that means our news media are scrambling for the catchiest, kitschiest, most spin-worthy local stories. Speaking of spin, one media outlet, WCCO-TV is doing a great job educating about renewable energy by inviting fair goers to ride electricity generating bicycles to power the news. 

The tactic is an excellent way to engage an audience, demonstrate commitment to green power—and by the way, have a lot of fun. As the leader of a Mpls advertising and marketing agency that specializes in eco promotion, green marketing strategy, social change communications, LOHAS marketing and green energy, I create the same kind of experiential, high engagement strategies when messaging for clients. Whether that means devising a game to "knock out nukes" by throwing a ball at pins at a green festival or "fishing" for fun eco facts (both of which we've done) the fastest way to success is for your audience to tangibly FEEL the benefit.

So make it personal. Engage the brain, but start by opening your customers' hearts.

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.

Earth Day doesn't come around for more than six months, but the movie is in theaters now.  In keeping with brilliant green marketing strategy, word about the movie is being spread through low carbon affinity channels like Earth Day Network, through blogs, twitter and more.

As the head of a firm that specializes in green marketing, LOHAS marketing, eco promotions, green pr, social change communication, eco communication and green energy, I'm psyched to see this 2009 Sundance Film. But more importantly, I applaud Earth Days film makers for joining those of us on the marketing, non-profit and green product side for creating a visually stunning and entertaining way to share this critical message.

To learn more, go  to: http://www.earthdaysmovie.com

Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.