I came across a great natural weed-killing recipe today. It's supposed to work miracles:
• 1 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup dish soap
I mixed up a batch right away. With rain nearly every day, it seems that weeds are sprouting through cracks everywhere. As a leader in yoga advertising, green advertising, organic branding and LOHAS consumer strategy, I know that even the best brands can sprout weeds if left untended.
Great brands start with a clear, consistent message and like a freshly prepared garden, are all neat rows and promise. But over time, weeds sprout. When marketing leaders, clients or advertising agencies get a little lazy or bored, seemingly harmless tactics or graphic diversions end up resulting in a garden that's overrun with noise.
Branding takes patience. Diligence. And discipline. So while it's great to start something new, make sure you're not planting an invasive species. Stick with what's native. You and your garden (I mean brand) will grow in beauty, profitability and sustainability.
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.
Who needs a cabinet full of pharmaceuticals when
nature offers its own medicine chest? 
As the owner of a Minnesota advertising and marketing agency and organic industry leader who specializes in green marketing, organic branding, social change communication and the LOHAS consumer, I have long worked with clients to educate customers about how food can heal.
One of our clients, H. Brooks and Company, is an absolute leader when it comes to offering tools that empower and educate grocery stores, restaurants and shoppers about the health benefits of fruit and veggies. Every marketing touch point is an opportunity to create messaging that not only differentiates your brand, but drives sales.
This recent newsletter illustrates how you can combine classic B-B sales strategy with a holistic message. And who doesn't love the fact that a delicious slice of watermelon can promote heart health and help prevent cancer?
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.
The film,
Avatar speaks to a long-buried global desire for a
closer connection with the natural world. The beauty of this film is that it speaks not just to enviros and activists, it moves audiences from all political, cultural and psychographic perspectives.
Now, a
PRI video report brings the reaction of perhaps the most important audience of all. Rainforest dwellers who now live in the jungles of Ecuador. I spent time a few years ago with the Achuar tribe in the jungles of Ecuador. As a people who have lived in harmony with the planet for thousands of years, it is fitting they are represented in this report.
It's
rare for media to strike such a universal chord. As the owner of an advertising agency specializing in LOHAS consumers, creating green ad campaigns, social change communication and renewable energy marketing, I couldn't be happier.
Thanks to
Avatar, blue is the new green.
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.
Food that reflects your personality? That's just one of the trends the Food Channel predicts this year, according to a recent Natural Marketing Institute article published in the
LOHAS Journal.
As a brand strategist who specializes in organic branding, green marketing, social change communication and green advertising, this trend seems only natural. After all, food is a brand. And like all brands, food has personality attributes.
A common branding exercise invites businesses to choose foods that represent their brand. For instance, a yoga brand might choose miso, edamame and rice—while a produce company might choose fresh lemons and strawberries. It only makes sense that as consumers continue to seek self-actualizing experiences, we begin to choose and serve foods that represent an actual extension of ourselves.
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.
Food can fight flu. So to help shift consumer behavior, I recently created a campaign that encourages Americans to open their refrigerators instead of their medicine cabinets.
Where was it launched? In our most undervalued natural pharmacy. Produce aisles.
To help shift the perception that flu can only be prevented through pharmaceutical means and to boost sales of fresh roots, fruits and vegetables, I recently created a campaign that spoke directly to consumers where they shop. In the produce aisles.
As the head of a marketing firm that specializes in wellness marketing, organic marketing, social change marketing and the LOHAS consumer, I'm happy to say that this effort was a resounding success. Stores loved the marketing support. Consumers stocked up on produce. And shoppers felt a whole lot healthier.
Fruit and vegetables as a natural remedy. Now that's a way of life I can really sink my teeth into.
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're interested in giving gifts that matter, consider being part of the
greatest polar bear rescue effort in history. The Natural Resource Defense Council
(NRDC) is launching a holiday campaign that urges enviros to give $15 gift certificates to family and friends to help save these bears from extinction.
Not only is this an affordable and meaningful gift, the resulting effect will last much longer than a cheap tin of chocolates or a plastic bauble.
Always savvy green marketers with a keen sense of their brand and message, NRDC is also offering certificates that contribute to protecting the rainforest, adopting Yellowstone wolves, protecting whales and supporting renewable energy.
For those on your list who care about the well being of our planet and the life it supports, NRDC is offering the perfect gift. And isn't that what holiday giving is all about?
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.
When it comes to three-ring binders, there are literally thousands of styles, materials and sizes to
choose from. So, as the head of a green marketing agency, when a client needed custom binders for a sales presentation, the choice was simple. We chose green.
Earthbinder, to be precise. Made from chipboard that's 95% post-consumer fiber, these binders are not only cool and functional, they send a message that speaks volumes about sustainability.
Making an intentional choice about green marketing materials is a must for companies in the business of wellness, organic, social change or environmental sustainability. In fact, when it comes right down to it. The choice is 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.
The
Oregon Sustainability Center, which is being called the first large-scale “living building,” is projected to have a zero carbon footprint, according to a recent issue of
Environmental Leader.
Powered by solar and geothermal energy, this 12-story office building complete with a plant-based water filtration system, is a prototype for the future. It makes so much sense.
Green marketing is another plant-based model. Each ad, message, website, social media campaign, logo and sales pitch is a closed loop. It's a creative and strategic process that guides consumers deep into the soil to explore the root of the message, then back up to the sun where they can see the light and take action. As the head of a green marketing agency that specializes in the LOHAS consumer, green advertising, yoga studio marketing, organic branding and renewable energy marketing, I believe that nature has much to teach. All we need to do is listen.
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.
It used to be that the world of calculating pollution levels was reserved for those who were: A) Nerdy B) Academic or C) True Blue Enviros. But no more.
Thanks to a
marketing climate that increasingly emphasizes transparency, so called green geeks are now mainstream. Fueled by concerns about climate change, more and more businesses are looking to track, measure and reduce their environmental footprint through life cycle assessment. And they're sharing their results with consumers through product labeling and environmental assessment reports.
As a leader in the field of green energy marketing, social change communication, organic branding and the LOHAS consumer, I've worked with a lot of green and progressive businesses. Being at the forefront of this segment has very much been an exercise in rewriting long-established marketing rules.
Green marketing companies like mine have long known that the surest path to success is to run every aspect of your company in the most sustainable manner possible. In the best models, green companies take a
lesson from nature so that waste from one aspect of their business becomes food for another. The good news is, the idea is catching on. Why? Because sustainably run companies are profitable companies.
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.
Mark your calendars!
One of my favorite clients, Yoga Alliance, is once again hosting Y
oga Day USA on January, 23, 2010. This is an amazing national event that invites not just yogis, but novices, couch potatoes, triathletes, young, old and everyone in between to join together to stretch mind, body and spirit through the practice of yoga.
Find out how to host a gathering or participate at:
http://www.yogadayusa.org.
According to a recent
Yoga Journal study, nearly 16 million Americans practice yoga. And with more and more medical research supporting its benefits, the numbers continue to climb. Not only do I love the practice of yoga, I love to create yoga advertising and work with yoga studios to develop smart, strategic marketing campaigns.
As the head of an advertising and marketing agency that specializes in the LOHAS consumer, green advertising, organic branding and green energy marketing,
yoga marketing is a natural extension of the work we do with businesses and organizations that create positive change.
Ghandi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." These wise words are as true today for the actions of individuals, as they are for the decisions we make in business.
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.
Suburban developments have long been the bastion of lush, green, chemical-laden, thirsty and
unsustainable lawns. Now a new development south of Denver is
challenging existing bluegrass dogma in favor of a concept they call "Agriburbia," with ground cover crops like strawberries, sweet corn and herbs.
As the head of a marketing and advertising agency that specializes in green ad campaigns, organic branding, green energy marketing and social change communication, I say to grass, "Your days are numbered." A typical dry climate household today uses about 23,000 gallons of water a month—most of it for lawn maintenance. What a waste. Of time. Of money. And of natural resources.
There is a growing segment (the LOHAS consumer) who are pulling out their wallets and trading in the hassle of sod for beautiful, yet low maintenance plants and shrubs. As one of them, I love the fact that I don't have to water or mow. I just
let nature do her thing. And as usual, she gives back far more than I could ever have imagined. Denverites who buy into Agriburbia are in for a treat.
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.
This one is tricky.
Powerful, yet controversial environmental print and TV spots for WWF comparing the 9/11 terrorist
attacks with the 2004 tsunami, were recently entered at Cannes. They've caused quite a stir. Although not the kind the agency DDB had hoped for.
Turns out this agency created what is known in the industry as a
fake or phantom ad. A campaign created and placed often at the expense of an agency for the sole purpose of winning a prestigious award. What's more, WWF claims the first they knew about this spot was when they found it on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFHeQsOULng
As the head of a green advertising agency that specializes in green marketing, LOHAS marketing, organic promotion, natural advertising and environmental communication, I am all for compelling creative that moves millions to take action to protect the planet.
But unfortunately, this incident uses the brand power of WWF for a cheap shot at a big award. Too bad.
The world needs exceptional advertising and green marketing strategy to wake us up. Shake us up. And to bring about much needed action and change. But to create work that is all about the creative shop, at the expense and credibility of a client, is simply inexcusable.
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.
Ben & Jerry's announced today that they're working on developing an ice cream formulation that can be shipped and sold warm so that the end consumer takes responsibility for the energy required for freezing.
While they haven't cracked the recipe riddle, this is
a great example of a company that's pushing the boundaries. Thinking differently. And pioneering a process that could save millions of pounds of C02. That they're messaging about it now while in the development phase is a praiseworthy approach to green public relations.
As the head of a marketing and advertising agency that specializes in green pr, natural advertising, organic promotion, LOHAS consumers and organic internet marketing, we are often called on to create advertising strategies and pr campaigns that break through media clutter.
One of the best strategies to deepen existing relationships and attract new customers is to
share the back story of your marketing message. Go beyond simply telling your audience what you're doing. Let them know why it matters. Why it's unique. How it will benefit them. And the world.
Ben & Jerry's has built a great brand that speaks to quality, deliciousness and social activism. The warm ice cream concept extends their brand story. How will the next chapter of your brand story read?
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 been raining for days. The meadow outside my office door is green beyond belief. (Sorry this photo doesn't begin to capture the richness of color.) Which got me to thinking about green marketing.
As the head of an agency that specializes in the LOHAS consumer, eco advertising, green energy, organic campaigns, green marketing and yoga advertising, to me
the rain is symbolic for washing the slate clean. Rain brings a new start. New growth. Transparency. And aliveness.
As marketers, one of our central roles is to wash away all brand distractions, so that the light of our clients' messages can shine through. The rain comes by this gift naturally. It's the same for all good green marketers.
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
Recently the U.S. Food Service switched to rubber bands instead of shrink wrap and saved
$8,000.
Of course from an eco standpoint since they were using far less natural resources, they actually saved a whole lot more. This is just one more example of how a
little shift in thinking can generate huge financial and environmental rewards.As a leader in environmental advertising, LOHAS marketing and eco business, I've worked with a lot of organic brands within the organic industry. Because this category is relatively new, in the early years there were
no rule books to read. Or case studies to follow. But far from being a hindrance, this lack of direction led to amazing innovation that fueled the growth of the organic industry by double digits for years on end.
So look at the way you run your current marketing program. Pretend that you are starting from scratch. Imagine that words like "can't," "won't work," "too expensive" and "impossible," do not exist in your vocabulary. Re-imagine. Play. And focus on your desired outcome, not the obstacles you perceive. Then get ready to shift your thinking and save.
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.
In today's edition of
Environmental Leader about McDonald's creating prototypes for green restaurants, the issue states:
"...The restaurant is treating the 10 locations as “learning laboratories,” said McDonald’s V
ice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Bob Langert, in a Q&A with DailyFinance. One of the green prototype stores, in the Chicago area, uses 25 percent less energy than similar locations. Energy savings and waste reduction are central to McDonald’s corporate social responsibility strategy, Langert said. Globally, the restaurant consumes $1.7 billion annually in energy and it spends another $1.3 billion handling its waste. McDonald’s has more than 31,000 locations worldwide..."
Does this new effort amount to greenwashing? Or a super-sized step forward? While it may be too early to tell, as an expert in natural advertising, organic advertising, organic promotion and LOHAS marketing, I've worked on many leading-edge advertising strategies and attended more than a few green energy conferences.
When a company the size of McDonald's initiates a move in a more sustainable direction, the outcome can only be good. While the franchise is far from perfect and their desire to reduce waste and energy consumption is all about increasing their bottom line—what's wrong with that?
The beauty of green and sustainable marketing is that doing what's right is generally rewarded with doing well. Who knows? Maybe a McOrganic menu is right around the corner. I would be lovin' that!
Herbalist David Winston said,
"Understanding yourself is the first step toward healing."
The same is true when it comes to wellness marketing. In order to effectively communicate your message, you need to fully understand your product or service—as well as your audience. This deep knowing from the inside out is your best remedy for a marketing campaign that inspires, educates and moves your audience to action.
As an expert in the areas of wellness marketing, green communications and natural advertising, I have found that the best, most effective, most creative campaigns are based not simply on facts or benefits that appeal to the brain—but to the heart.
Just as our bodies can not function without our brain. Or our heart. Neither can good marketing.
work has been critical to marketers for years. As a leader in Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) marketing, eco advertising, social change communication and organic marketing, I am considered an expert on the LOHAS consumer. This psychographic group includes one in four adult Americans and a $209 billion marketplace.
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