Activism Change

INFO WANTED: BP's `green' advertising campaign

Question:

        EARTHLIFE AFRICA UPDATE/INFORMATION REQUEST BP in South Africa have just launched a new advertising campaign, with a focus about how BP products are “going green”.  On questioning BP, we found that they have not changed any of their products in the last while, and have no plans to change either. It seems that this is part of an international ad campaign by BP, and it is possible that in some countries BP _have_ in fact altered their products to make them more “environment friendly” (environment friendly petrol?). We have challenged BP on this, and they have responded by saying that the ad campaign is running in over 28 countries around the world, and that we are the only environmental organisation to question them, and to reject their campaign.  Is this so?  Has anyone seen the new “green” advertisements for BP products, and if so, have you heard about any complaints or challenges to BP about this?  Does anyone know whether BP have introduced different products in other countries to get away with their new “green” label? We have reported BP to the local Advertising Standards Authority, and are contemplating a nation-wide campaign against their misleading advertising.  Any assistance that you can give us would be greatfully appreciated.  Please e-mail copies of any as our newsfeed is erratic at times (because of the trans-Atlantic link). Earthlife Africa is a non-racial, non-sexist democratic organisation, with 14 branches in South Africa and Namibia.  We are involved with government lobbying, re-afforestation, coastal pollution, wildlife, animal rights, urbanisation, consumer issues, industrial pollution and anything else that we can see that damages the environment. Paul Nash                              Free Range Computer Systems cc

Response:

Does anyone know whether BP have introduced different products in other countries to get away with their new “green” label?

Here in New Zealand, it seems that all of the oil companies have jumped onto the "green" bandwagon, with particularly offensive ads. They do however have some justification — our country recently introduced a new product (all the companies seem to get their petrol from one refinery which is a 91 octane lead free petrol. Previously, all 91 octane has had lead in it.  So, unfortunately, we can’t get them for not introducing a new product (which should have been done years ago).   We have reported BP to the local Advertising Standards Authority, and are contemplating a nation-wide campaign against their misleading advertising.  Any assistance that you can give us would be greatfully appreciated.  

Go get ‘em. —

Response:

tp

Response:

We have challenged BP on this, and they have responded by saying that the ad campaign is running in over 28 countries around the world, and that we are the only environmental organisation to question them, and to reject their campaign.  

You are a victim of an old business/market tactic used to intimidate the individual or small user. When a question is voiced the response is (in a high nasal voice) "No one else has complained." Press on. That kind of response means they’re on the edge of dispare. Good luck. Mark

Response:

Filed under: Lobbying

Related Posts

• OT: Lovers of Language Take Note - This is a GREAT little book...
• CO-REDEMPTORS
• Impulse start up date
• Views on not taking any drugs for MS?
• Lease
• RV Campround Software
• Pilot Certificate
• New bill in congress...
• PeTA - It ain't PETA, it's PITA
• "Compassionate" Bush Threatens to Deport Volcano Island Refugees