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.
There are nearly infinite ways to extend your brand. If you have a green or LOHAS consumer
brand like mine you can start by:
• serving organic coffee and tea in reusable mugs
• fueling your vehicles with bio-diesel or use hybrids
• buying only 100% post-consumer fiber paper for your printer
Of course that's just the beginning. Another
extremely simple and generally overlooked tactic is to extend your brand through your email salutation. Why sign client correspondence with the traditional "Sincerely," "Yours" or "Best Wishes," when you can convey your brand message at the end of every digital communication?
As president and creative director of firefly180 marketing, an advertising and marketing agency that specializes in markets that include; organic marketing, yoga advertising, green energy marketing, social change communication and renewable energy marketing, I know that the power of creating off-the-beaten-path ideas can ensure a brand message resonates and stays with the audience.
Take my agency for example. We work in the progressive space with progressive businesses and non-profits. Our tagline is:
building brands that spark change. When we close an email, we sign it enthusiastically, "Shine on!"
Clients love it. It's playful. It speaks to change, light and forward movement. And best of all, those who receive our emails feel acknowledged for the spark they bring to the world. So the next time you sign an email with "Sincerely," stop to consider how you might be able to extend your own brand with a salutation that speaks volumes. And remember, shine on!
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.
A friend of mine just returned from Copenhagen. While he wasn't there to attend the UN Summit on Climate Change, he did stop by COP15 to take in the vibe, cheer on the protestors and bring me back a smattering of materials he managed to gather.
Perhaps the favorite item in my gift bag, was
Ode's special issue,
The Solutions We Need Now. Imagine my surprise when I received an email notice courtesy of LOHAS and Ode, offering a digital version of the
issue for free!
As the head of a green advertising agency and an expert in green energy marketing, social change communication and green marketing, I applaud this marketing effort. This beautifully conceived magazine issue is getting out to hundreds of thousands without the environmental cost caused by paper and ink, the energy needed to print or the recycling/solid waste realities after the issue is read. The online experience is simple and seamless.
Get your free issue now. You'll love it.
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.
The
holiday gift giving season has begun. As businesses get serious about choosing gifts for clients and loyal customers, two vital considerations are often overlooked:
1. What does your brand represent?
2. How can your gift extend your brand?If the answer is environmental sustainability, fair trade, health or wellness, I strongly recommend giving green gifts. As the owner of a green advertising agency that specializes in organic branding, social change communication, yoga studio marketing, renewable energy marketing and the LOHAS consumer, that's not only what I recommend to clients, it's a philosophy I practice myself as a business owner.
A couple sites I recommend include:
spiralfoundation.org,
vivaterra.com,
heifer.org and
organicbouquet.com. Of course, this is just a start. There are literally countless creative ways you can choose gifts that are not only meaningful and beautiful, but that align with your values as a global citizen.
What's important is that you consider ways to give—and give back—
far beyond the holiday season.
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.
Thanksgiving may be over, but the
season for giving thanks has just begun. That's why I plan to spend tomorrow joining a roomful of others in a day-long sitting mediation. Why? To dedicate one day to immersing myself in gratitude.
As the head of just one of the few green marketing agencies in Minnesota, I spend my days creating advertising and marketing campaigns for yoga advertising, organic branding, social change communication, wellness companies and progressive businesses.
It's such a gift to create work that is in complete alignment with my values. I feel such gratitude for my clients. My colleagues. And the good we are doing together. Tomorrow is a day to give thanks. And to be fully present to that gratitude.
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 seen
Food Inc., move it to the number one position in your Netflix queue or rent it
now.
This amazing and engaging documentary
lifts the industry's veil of illusion and shines a light on the truth about how food is grown, processed and sold in this country. As a lifelong advocate for organic and locally grown food, I loved this film. And I applaud its makers for being catalysts for change.
As a leader in the areas of organic branding, social change communication and the LOHAS consumer, it's exciting to see this message play out on the big screen. While much has been made of the H1N1 virus "pandemic,"
it's food related conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity that are killing our family, friends, co-workers and neighbors in record numbers.
Science has long ago established that we are what we eat. The good news is we can
vote for change every time we check out at the grocery store. The more we demand locally and sustainably grown fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and meats, the more products will become available. And with scale, the price will drop. Making healthy eating available to all.
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.
Last month, climatechange.org leveraged the
power of the blogosphere to drive action toward fighting climate change. Under the umbrella of
Blog Action Day, the group galvanized more than 13,000 bloggers in more than 150 countries to reach more than 18 million readers about the most critical issue of our time.
As a leader in green energy marketing, I have long been passionate about educating and activating
Americans to fight climate change. Lucky for me, my career in advertising and marketing has made it possible to be an advocate while making a living.
As head of a green advertising and marketing agency who has spent her career working with progressive businesses on social change communication, I've created many effective and powerful campaigns—but none have been judgmental or heavy-handed. I believe the fastest way to effect change is to respect your audience. And to
remain clear about how change will benefit them—both now and in the future.
Research shows that most of us want to do the right thing.
Green marketing is a vital tool in helping shape messages that drive positive change.
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
Environmental Leader, Marriott says it plans to learn from its “green” hotel prototypes and expand the program by a measure of tenfold over the next five years."
That's great news for travelers and great news for the planet. When a business as large as Marriott increases their green hotel initiative by 1000%, the impact is dramatic. Why is Marriott suddenly onboard? Because green programs result in energy efficiencies that save money. Plus, the marketing and public relations that will result are an added bonus.
As the head of a green advertising agency that specializes in the LOHAS consumer, social change communication, green energy marketing and the organic industry, I do my best to stay in green hotels while on the road. Typically, hotels like these are smaller, more personal and have stories to tell beyond a 7 a.m breakfast buffet. In fact, one hotel I've stayed in near Napa, California, actually featured an energy meter in the lobby that showed guests how much energy was currently being used and measured the resulting carbon emissions.
While Marriott may not choose to go this far, that's OK. What may seem like a small step by many, is actually a giant step for this chain. I look forward to following their success.
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.
If you think social media is a fad—think again.
Then check out this YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVXKI506w-E.
Not only are the graphics and stats interesting and fun—if you've been trying to convince your company or your client to jump on board, this four-minute video might just do the trick.
Thankfully, my clients are way ahead of the game. They
understand the power of a message that's communicated instantly. And they have come to know that sometimes email is just much too slow. As the head of an advertising and marketing agency that specializes in organic branding, the organic industry, social change communications and the LOHAS consumer, I work with many progressive companies who work hard to maintain their sense of immediacy.
And while many of us aspire to live our lives in the present moment, by the time you've finished reading this sentence, that moment has passed.
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture research, watermelon may become more than a summertime favorite—but fuel for our cars.
How's that for the ultimate in flower power?It turns out that watermelon contains a large amount of fermentable sugars; which makes them a great candidate for a potential biofuel.
As a pioneer in green energy and renewable energy marketing, I find the thought of watermelon power rather irresistible.
As the head of a Minneapolis marketing firm that specializes in working with progressive businesses, organic branding, social change communications and green marketing, we dive deep into our clients' stories to uncover what's unique, fresh and media worthy. What's really fun is to uncover a story you can really sink your teeth into.
Can watermelon help us kick our addiction to fossil fuels? It just might.
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 just bought a new laptop bag and it's safe to say that I am in love.
Not only is it totally cool and extraordinarily functional—it's green. New from Urban Junket, the fresh t.o.t.e (to observe the earth) collection is made from 100% organic canvas coated with azo-free dyes. The interior lining is made from recycled plastic water bottles and saturated with bright turquoise vegetable dye. Plus $1 from each sale is used to offset the climate-change-causing carbon from the manufacturing process.
As the head of a Minneapolis marketing agency that specializes in green marketing, yoga advertising, the organic industry, renewable energy marketing and social change communication, I know firsthand how important it is to walk your talk. Now
I've got a laptop bag that lets me wear my environmental commitment.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.
Today is October 12 and this is the view outside my office door.
Look closely, you'll see a herd of deer running by. But it's not the deer that are surprising. In a season that is generally all about crunching through colorful fall leaves, those of us who live and office near Minneapolis are looking for snow shovels.
J
ust as weather can take us by surprise, so can marketing campaigns. As the head of a green advertising agency with a focus on organic branding, the LOHAS consumer, yoga studio marketing, green energy marketing and social change communication, we strive to create surprise. We live in a media climate that is in continuous hyperdrive. And yet there is a pervasive cookie-cutter blandness that stifles most marketing messages.
Today, an early snow generated national media and shook up millions in my region. Tomorrow, I hope the same is true for
green marketing companies like mine. The stories of our clients are unique. Their messages are relevant. And their potential to generate change is as refreshing—and as surprising—as snow in October.
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's a beautiful thing when green marketing, organic branding and social change communication become supercharged through media.
One of my favorite organic tea brands, Zhena's Gypsy Tea, got a great media hit recently when Jennifer Aniston prepared cocktails at a party using the Zhena's Super Berry Blend. Zhena, the founder of this brand, is an incredible visionary, authentic spirit, green goddess and master tea blender. I couldn't be happier for her.
Mass media has incredible power to educate, enlighten and inspire the mainstream. The organic industry, green companies and progressive businesses have amazing stories to tell. Put them together and you have a force for change. It's
a win for green business. And a win for consumers who are exposed to new ways to live healthier and more sustainably.
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.
A client came to me yesterday with a request to create a
"quick ad" for immediate
insertion. When I asked about message, desired response, audience demographic and points of uniqueness, she admitted her team hadn't quite thought that through.
I suggested she save her money. As the head of a green advertising agency that specializes in social change communication, the LOHAS consumer, yoga advertising, organic branding and green energy marketing, I urge our clients to remain proactive—not reactive.
While it's difficult sometimes not to get caught up in the office swirl, a clear head is an essential element when it comes to good advertising and marketing strategy. So the next time you find yourself reverting to reactive mode, take some advice from the yogis. Take a breath. Find your center. And listen to the wisdom within.
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
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