I’m here.
I have all my basic needs met. I have clean water, healthy food, shelter, love and a sense of belonging. I even have rewarding work, laughter and a little money left for delightful whims in life. So, what do I crave every day? Where is my ‘always happy place?’
Outdoors.
Space to breathe.
A solitary beach. A walk in the forest. A climb up a mountain, to take the deepest of breaths. A kayak paddle across a morning-still lake. Being far, far away from the lights to see the entire night sky. Add a sticky marshmallow and music drifting across a campfire …and its bliss.
Personally, I can’t compare the excitement of walking through a high-end mall, of a delicate meal in the fanciest hotel or even the most fabulous outfit with designer shoes, to the feeling of just being outside. To breathe. It’s where all of my most beautiful memories lie. Its where are all my dreams live.
So that’s the background of why environmental consciousness is so vitally important to me. I cannot live a life that leaves the most valuable parts of our existence in a worse condition. Who could do that?
Now what?
My thing is marketing. I studied it, a lot. I’ve worked in it, for a long time. And when I’m not working in it, I’m thinking of it. I’m good at marketing. It’s my thing. And as life has done its thing, it’s dropped me in a sustainability-focused environment in Bali, Indonesia. For 5 years, I wondered why? Why does this work? I’m not your typical eco-warrior. What do I do with this situation?
And then I sat outside. And I breathed. It was obvious. I can speak to this. I’m not perfect but my voice is familiar. Like you, I want to do the right thing — but I don’t want to be uncomfortable. I want to fight — but I’m also busy raising a family, working and …just trying to get enough sleep at night. What is the balance?
Change.
Listen, everyday marketers influence change. From convincing a consumer to change their brand of soap, tampons or condoms to trialing a competitive software vendor to choosing locally sourced avocados… Marketers make a difference for the companies we serve every day, and these same skills are integral in the fight for our planet. It’s not all going to happen at once but it will happen collectively. And all it takes is giving it a think. Giving more consideration to the decisions you make every day. How can I ‘green’ this a bit more? Am I being environmentally responsible or destructive?
It’s not just for the good of the planet or the next generation. There is a tremendous growth in eco-conscious consumers. Learning to market to them can also raise your career significance. You know this. It is happening everywhere; all around us.
Now.
What small steps can you do in your current marketing work to make a difference? How will you become more eco-conscious in your marketing this year? It’s a new decade, 2020 vision. Let’s take a look at it! If we don’t, what is the alternative? Marketing environmental destruction? That’s not for me, it’s not for you. Join me on the greener side of the pasture!
Eco-marketing…
I don’t have all the answers, but I have a lot of questions. So, let’s talk about it. Let’s ignite our community with small, individual decisions to drive a monumental movement. For that’s what marketing is, isn’t it? Multiple-messages, micro-decisions to reach the goal.
Listen, learn, think… share.
I searched information in this space and came up short. Nothing available between the lightness of a single article and the depth of a textbook. But gaps mean opportunities, so http://www.sisloff-intl.com was created as an eco-marketing resource to share great content. It’s here to bring the conversations from diverse viewpoints together, make new decisions and collectively make a difference.
So, this is what I’ve got:
- Surveys & Data. One for marketers, one for everyone. Join and share to generate current insights and powerful new data.
- Test your eco-marketing warrior-ness – coming soon
- Podcast Interviews. Eco-marketing conversations with the coolest of marketers and leaders in sustainability.
- Resources. Community sharing of the best examples of eco-marketing out today.
I am very excited about this, I would love to participate and support.
Leslie, this is terrific and not necessarily a topic (eco-marketing) being discussed in the mainstream among senior marketing professionals. You’re kickstarting that discussion here and tapping into something where senior, savvy marketing professionals can leverage their collective experiences and resources to support the next generation, who, in my humble opinion, already are leading on positive change for our planet. We must help them…listen to them…and whenever, wherever possible, guide them. With you leading the charge, we’re all in good hands. Sign me up!