Climate change, if you haven’t heard, is real¹.

As advertisers and brands, it falls on us to do what we can to tell the story of a realistic, more sustainable future. We have a duty to do so responsibly and in a way that not only resonates, but drives people to actually change. And yet, one major hurdle still stands in the way: the continued political polarization of the topic. 

Responsible advertising related to climate change must break through this polarization to reach a wide audience, make sustainability a priority for brands, and continue to shift public opinion.

Topics: Clean Energy, Climate Change, Branding and Brand Value, Sustainability Marketing, Climate and Social Justice, Sustainable Brands

The best way to understand someone’s problems, as the old adage goes, is to walk a mile in their shoes.

Topics: Innovation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Social Media Strategy and Best Practices, Content Marketing, Sustainability Marketing, Creative, Brand Activations

In 2021, $284 billion was spent on advertising in the United States. That’s a staggering number, representing a lot of power.

Topics: Innovation, B Corporation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Branding and Brand Value, Sustainability Marketing, Creative, B2B marketing, Climate and Social Justice

As the calendar flipped from December to January, all of us at KSV did a little celebratory dance. Yes, a tough and chaotic year had come to an end, but we were celebrating for slightly different reasons: for our agency, the calendar flip meant a fresh look and a doubled-down commitment to fighting for a more sustainable existence through purpose-driven work and meaningful community partnerships.

Topics: Innovation, B Corporation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Inspiration, Sustainability Marketing, Company Culture, Climate and Social Justice

Happy New Year! 

Topics: Innovation, B Corporation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Inspiration, Sustainability Marketing, Company Culture, Climate and Social Justice

If you’ve lived and worked through 2020, then the phrase “future-proofing” may sound like the biggest oxymoron of them all. If 2020 taught us anything, it is that plans change. Pivots are necessary. And planning for the future can sometimes mean planning to keep your business’s doors open for just one more day. Who has time to future-proof their business for next year when they’re just trying to survive 2020?

Topics: Customer-Centric Marketing, Innovation, B Corporation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Content Marketing, Inspiration, Branding and Brand Value, Sustainability Marketing, Creative, D2C, In the News

Happy almost Thanksgiving! As we inch another day closer to a holiday season unlike any other,  the team at KSV can’t help but reflect on all that we have to be grateful for. Even in a year where so much has been turned upside down, we find ourselves finishing each day with gratitude for what has remained the same: inspiring clients, innovative colleagues and a community dedicated to creating a better future. 

As we prepare for a 2020-style Thanksgiving, we’d like to share a few stories bringing us an extra dose of inspiration this week, in the hopes that they do the same for all of you:

Brands Are Using Black Friday Boycotts to Highlight Sustainability Initiatives: Although several brands will spend Black Friday and the weeks after touting promotions and deep discounts, several others are switching things up this year, using the high-profile moment as an opportunity to highlight ongoing sustainability initiatives. For brands like Freitag, this means shining a spotlight on their newly launched bag swap platform, which allows customers to exchange backpacks and messenger bags with other customers as a way to encourage a second-life for a high quality product while also reducing waste.

This is Our Chance to Reclaim Cities From Cars: One positive thing that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic? A more bikeable, walkable and cleaner urban America. Reimagining public spaces has consistently been a part of the conversation around how urban areas rebuild in the wake of the virus. This article takes it a step further, painting a hopeful picture for the future of cities.

25 US Cities Land on CDP ‘A List:’ In spite of both the havoc wrought by the coronavirus and little-to-no support at the federal level, several cities in the US were recognized by the CDP for making progress toward their climate action goals. Progress from cities like Cleveland, OH and San Antonio, TX highlight just how, in the absence of national guidance, impactful and important state and municipal level initiatives toward carbon emissions reductions and the adoption of clean energy technologies can be in ensuring a better, brighter and cleaner future.

Oreo’s Proud Parent ad is a moving, resonant reminder that a loving world, no matter how complicated, starts with a loving home. 

Topics: Customer-Centric Marketing, Innovation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Content Marketing, Inspiration, Branding and Brand Value, Sustainability Marketing, Creative, D2C, In the News

As the coronavirus made itself and its effects known to the world, brands were forced to transform marketing plans, adjust operations and pivot strategies on a dime in order to meet current and potential consumers where they were at in a way that felt authentic and timely. And where they were at was in the midst of a pandemic unlike anything anyone had ever seen before.

Topics: Utility Communications, Innovation, Energy Efficiency, Clean Energy, Content Marketing, Creative, Marketing Strategy and Best Practices

We talk often about brand awareness. No matter the industry, the product or solution being offered, it’s a simple, omnipresent idea: people cannot buy your products, support your brand or change their behaviors if they are unaware. 

Topics: Customer-Centric Marketing, Innovation, Clean Energy, Branding and Brand Value, Sustainability Marketing, B2B marketing, In the News, Marketing Strategy and Best Practices

The weather has warmed, the sun is shining and we’re coming up on Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start to a summer that, although welcomed, presents uncertainty for many. 

Topics: B Corporation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Sustainability Marketing, Company Culture, In the News, Marketing Strategy and Best Practices