In the midst of a UK election year, where public opinion holds significant sway, the Central Office of Public Interest (COPI) is taking a bold step to address the critical issue of sewage dumping in British waterways. Through their innovative “Smear Campaign,” COPI, in collaboration with AMV BBDO, aims to shed light on the dire consequences of sewage pollution and advocate for change.
The campaign’s central message is conveyed through a striking visual representation—a font crafted entirely from raw sewage and waste products. This unconventional approach aims to shock and provoke, drawing attention to the severity of the problem and the urgent need for action.
Recent data from the Environmental Agency underscores the alarming scale of sewage spills into England’s rivers and seas, with millions of hours of raw sewage discharged by water companies in 2023 alone. This staggering figure highlights the pressing need for immediate intervention to safeguard the environment and public health.
COPI and AMV BBDO have devised a multi-faceted strategy to amplify their message and hold responsible parties accountable. By leveraging live dumping data, the campaign will project its message onto prominent landmarks near sewage outlets, ensuring maximum visibility and impact.
Moreover, the campaign will utilize dynamic billboards outside parliament and in affected boroughs to confront MPs who have endorsed policies allowing continued sewage dumping. Through these bold tactics, COPI aims to challenge decision-makers and mobilize public support for legislative changes.
The “Smear Campaign” also incorporates compelling messaging to underscore the personal and societal ramifications of water pollution. By highlighting the detrimental effects on recreational activities, wildlife habitats, and public health, the campaign seeks to foster a sense of urgency and collective responsibility.
Central to the campaign’s visual identity is the meticulously crafted sewage font, created through a painstaking process that involved collecting raw sewage samples from various waterways. This attention to detail ensures that the font’s texture, color, and composition authentically capture the repulsive nature of sewage waste.
In addition to its visual elements, the campaign features powerful slogans that underscore the pervasive impact of water pollution on daily life. By invoking scenarios such as pets ingesting contaminated water and individuals unwittingly engaging in recreational activities in polluted environments, the campaign aims to evoke empathy and spur action.
Through strategic partnerships with outdoor advertising companies and media agencies, COPI has secured prominent placements for its campaign across diverse channels. From OOH posters to placards at pollution hotspots and notices in public restrooms, the campaign will reach audiences across the UK, driving awareness and advocacy.
Ultimately, COPI’s “Smear Campaign” represents a bold and innovative approach to environmental activism. By harnessing the power of creativity and public engagement, the campaign seeks to catalyze meaningful change and safeguard the future of Britain’s waterways for generations to come.
