With the world turning its attention to the planet’s blue waters on World Oceans Day, 8 June 2018, Jenny Griesel Communications managed National Geographic’s media activations that drove home the message of the brand’s Planet or Plastic campaign in South African media buildings.

The activations including the Planet or Plastic mascot, a blue man covered in nets, depicting the plight of the oceans, and a “walking billboard” with the campaign message, encouraged people to decrease their consumption of single use plastics, and to choose the Planet over Plastic. The stunt was activated at the SABC, connecting with the teams at 5FM, Metro FM and Radio 2 000; at Kaya FM, at Media 24, connecting with the teams at City Press, TV Plus, Rapport, You and Huisgenoot; and at Caxton, House including the teams at Woman and Home and People magazines. The media targeted were each given a reusable straw and a recycled bag, helping them to reduce their reliance on single use plastics straight away, as well as a flyer with more information. Media across the country, who could not be visited on the day, were sent the activation pack.

“We had a successful morning, having meaningful conversations with several high profile media, who continued to engage with the campaign on social media and several of whom wrote about it in their publications” – said Jenny Griesel.