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The Truth Behind the Façade: Greenwashing and the Cost of Corporate ExpansionWe live in a time when brands shout loudly ...
28/01/2025

The Truth Behind the Façade: Greenwashing and the Cost of Corporate Expansion

We live in a time when brands shout loudly about their environmental credentials, convincing us that they care deeply about our planet. But if you dig beneath the surface, you’ll find that many of these claims are little more than —a veneer of eco-consciousness masking profit-driven motives.

Take IKEA for example. The world’s largest furniture producer claims to be a champion of , touting its commitments to combating climate change and achieving zero deforestation by 2026. On the surface, this sounds admirable, but a closer look tells a different story—one of questionable practices and broken promises.

Almost 60% of IKEA’s products are made from wood, which raises an important question: where is this wood coming from, and at what cost? A recent investigation by Disclose, now adapted into a 90-minute documentary titled Ikea – The Tree Hunter, traces IKEA’s supply chain across the globe. From Sweden’s last boreal forests to Brazil’s plantations, and from the vast landscapes of Poland to Romania, the investigation reveals the uncomfortable truth: IKEA’s global expansion comes at a high environmental price.

Despite the company’s claims to be forest-positive by 2030 and to improve forest management, many experts are skeptical. Critics argue that IKEA’s strategy amounts to forest colonisation, a global expansion of Sweden’s logging policies that have already drawn widespread criticism.

Yes, the company has made ambitious promises, but how can a multinational corporation focused on relentless growth truly balance sustainability with profit? Since the 1970s, IKEA has been more committed to dominating the global furniture market than to protecting ecosystems, with expansions reaching Latin America, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

It’s not enough for corporations to promise change; they must be held accountable for their actions. As consumers, we must look past the slick marketing campaigns and glossy green promises to demand transparency and responsibility.

For me, IKEA’s environmental claims have always felt hollow. That’s why I’ve never shopped there—and never will. As heartbreaking as it is, the truth about their operations reinforces the importance of skepticism and conscious consumerism.

Greenwashing is a powerful tool for profit, but it’s up to us to see through the façade and advocate for real change.

The question remains: how much are we willing to sacrifice for cheap furniture?







27/01/2025

I’ve always admired Patagonia for being a brand that truly stands out, not just for their products but for their bold and impactful cause-related marketing ideas and their positive impact on the planet 🌎

They are a company that doesn’t just sell outdoor gear—they inspire change and challenge us to think differently about the way we consume. One of my favourite examples of this is their 2011 ‘Don’t Buy This Jacket’ campaign. Rather than pushing for more sales, Patagonia used this campaign to spark a conversation about overconsumption and environmental responsibility. ♻️

By encouraging people to buy less, use products longer, and consider the environmental impact of their choices, Patagonia has proven they’re not just in business for profit—they’re in business to make a difference. 👏

26/01/2025

Is it just me, or does anyone else find this weird?

Yes, plenty of people work double shifts—and let’s be honest, that’s a huge issue in itself. If wages were fair and livable, people wouldn’t have to take on back-to-back jobs just to scrape by. But then to see a pharmaceutical company step in with an ad implying it’s all okay because you can “push through” with the help of their pain relief tablets? Mind-boggling.

Here’s the gist of the ALEVE ad, titled ‘Double Shift’: It tells the story of a mother working tirelessly through double shifts. In the ad, she takes a heartfelt phone call from her daughter, who’s sharing all the exciting things she’s learning. The ad emphasises her sacrifices, resilience, and the weight of her responsibilities. Then comes the tagline: “Aleve, who do you take it for?”

Sure, it’s emotionally gripping, but is no one else thinking about the bigger picture here? Yes, this mother is strong, but why are we romanticising a system that forces her—and countless others—to work themselves into the ground? Why isn’t the focus on fair pay, better work conditions, or actual systemic change? Instead, the message seems to be, “Just take a tablet and keep going.”

Am I alone in finding this problematic? Instead of normalising unsustainable working conditions, how about we talk about solutions that don’t involve numbing the pain and soldiering on? Curious to hear your thoughts.




24/01/2025

As a vegan 🌱 , I’m not here to showcase Australian Lamb’s latest ad for its focus on meat, but rather for the sharp light it sheds on the digital mayhem we’ve all come to know too well.

The ad hilariously imagines what it would look like if people spoke to each other in real life the way they do in social media comments. Picture debates over climate change 🌎, conspiracy theories, and even the “correct” way to make tea —except instead of hiding behind a keyboard, people are not yelling but healthily debating it over a BBQ.

Australian Lamb’s summer ads have become a cultural staple in Australia, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It cleverly taps into the chaos of the online world, from Instagram to Reddit, showing how divided and combative we’ve become. Yet, in true Aussie fashion, the ad serves up a tongue-in-cheek resolution: nothing unites people better than coming together (in this case, over a lamb BBQ).

But here’s the part that really has me thinking: social media is already a toxic battleground. And now, with platforms like Meta deciding to step back from fact-checking and allow more “freedom of speech,” what’s next? Will the online world become even more chaotic, hostile, and misleading? I dread to think.

Sure, this ad is a funny and thought-provoking take on how we behave online versus in real life. But it also feels like a warning. If social media continues to encourage unchecked misinformation and divisiveness, will we ever find a way back to meaningful connection or healthy debates?

So, are we truly better united in real life than we are in the comments? Or is the gap between those worlds getting harder to bridge? Tell me—kindly, I hope—in the comments.

🚀🌍 Irish Innovation Taking Center Stage! 🌟🍀Big shoutout to Galway-based startup Swippitt for their jaw-dropping debut at...
23/01/2025

🚀🌍 Irish Innovation Taking Center Stage! 🌟🍀
Big shoutout to Galway-based startup Swippitt for their jaw-dropping debut at the CES tech show in Las Vegas last week! 🎉✨

They've brought us something straight out of a sci-fi dream – a toaster-shaped device that can charge your phone in just TWO SECONDS! 😲🔋📱Yep you heard me correctly!

Here’s how it works:
🔌 The Swippitt Hub holds 5 fully charged batteries.
📲 The Swippitt Link, a sleek smartphone case, connects your phone to the system.
⏱️ Pop your phone into the Hub, and in just 2 SECONDS, it swaps your drained battery for a fully charged one – no cables, no waiting! 😎
🌍 Universal Compatibility: Starting with iPhone models 14, 15, and 16, with Android support rolling out later this year!
💚 Sustainability Meets Simplicity: Founder and CEO Padraic Connolly says this tech will revolutionise battery management, offering a smarter, greener way to stay powered on the go!
Pricing:
💰 Hub: €435
💰 Link: €117
🚚 Launching June 2025

What’s next for Swippitt? Can you imagine something like this for Electric Vehicles? 🔌🚗
The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to see where this Irish company takes us next! 🌟

21/01/2025

🚨 The Future is Here: Meet NAQI Neural Earbuds! 🚨

While I get super excited about new technology, I have to admit—it can also be a little scary. But if innovation like this helps improve someone’s life, then that’s something worth celebrating.

Imagine controlling your devices with just a tilt of your head or a clench of your teeth — no voice, no touch, no screens, and no surgery. Sounds like telepathy, right?

The NAQI Neural Earbuds are revolutionising how we interact with technology. Using cutting-edge gyroscopic technology, these award-winning earbuds let you:

💡 Turn on a lamp with a simple jaw clench.
📺 Adjust TV volume by tilting your head.
♿ Control wheelchairs and smart devices seamlessly.

Unlike brain implants, the earbuds are non-invasive, making them accessible for everyone. Whether you’re a first responder, or someone with limited mobility for example, this “earbud superpower” will transform how you navigate the digital world.

🏆 2025 CES Innovation Award Winner 🏆
“Our mission is to empower everyone with NAQI’s capabilities and pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future,” said CEO Mark Godsy.

Available later this year, these earbuds are redefining Human-Machine Interfaces for a more connected, inclusive future.

20/01/2025

In the Summer of 2024, Quilted Northern Toilet Paper dropped the comfiest anthem of the year, bringing major ‘80s vibes!

They took Starship’s iconic hit “We Built This City” and flipped it into a plushy masterpiece: “We Quilt This City (on a Comfy Roll)” 🎤✨. Featuring the fabulous fictional girl group, The Quilted Queens, this campaign serves up neon lights, green screen hilarity, and a whole lot of nostalgia that’ll have you singing in the bathroom. 🎸🧻

But wait, there’s more! Quilted Northern knows that when it comes to , comfort is KING 👑 (or QUEEN, in this case). That’s why their message hits right where it counts: “Comfort is your right!” 🙌

This ad is not just selling TP — it’s a reminder that even the smallest parts of life deserve a touch of luxury and it’s proof that toilet paper can rock — literally.

This might be the softest mic drop of 2024. 🤣

Decoding Dubious Sustainability Claims  (or brownwashing as I like to call it, cause the companies are usually full of 💩...
19/01/2025

Decoding Dubious Sustainability Claims

(or brownwashing as I like to call it, cause the companies are usually full of 💩) has become the go-to tactic for brands eager to cash in on the growing demand for eco-friendly products, often without making any meaningful changes to their practices. At its core, greenwashing is all about misdirection—creating the illusion of sustainability while continuing business as usual.

Some common tactics brands use to appear “green” without truly walking the talk:
🗣️ Vague “Green-Sounding” Language: terms like “farm fresh,” “conscious,” or “natural.” These buzzwords may sound environmentally responsible but often have no legal definition or concrete backing. Designed to make you feel good about buying a product without actually delivering any measurable sustainability.
🗣️Irrelevant Claims - Brands love to emphasise one small, feature of a product while ignoring its broader environmental impact. E.G., a company might boast about using recycled packaging for a product that still contains harmful chemicals.
🗣️Badly Thought-Out Big Gestures -Marketing teams trying too hard to grab attention without consulting experts. Think “eco campaigns” that turn out to be superficial stunts rather than meaningful efforts to address environmental concerns.
🗣️Misleading Numbers and Percentages
Some toss out stats that sound impressive but don’t hold up under scrutiny. Claims like “50% less plastic” mean little without context—less than what, exactly?
🗣️ Rebranding to Include “Natural” Packaging
Changing a product’s look to evoke nature—green packaging, images of leaves, or earthy tones—is a common ploy.
🗣️ Making the Product Packaging Green
Simply slapping eco-friendly colours or designs on a package doesn’t make it sustainable. It’s a visual trick to imply environmental responsibility, even when none exists.

When evaluating a company’s , look for:
1. Accountability – Transparent brands disclose their full environmental impact, including areas for improvement.
2. Clear Labeling – Genuine products provide straightforward, specific information without vague claims.
3. Accreditation – Trusted third-party certifications verify true sustainability efforts.
4. Traceability – Some brands let you track a product’s sustainability from raw materials to final production.

Greenwashing isn’t just annoying—it’s actively harmful. It undermines genuine efforts, confuses consumers, and slows progress toward real change. Worse, it allows companies to profit from the growing eco-conscious movement while continuing to harm the planet.

The responsibility lies with both brands and consumers. Companies must adopt meaningful changes instead of hiding behind clever marketing. And as consumers, we need to stay vigilant, question bold claims, and demand transparency.


(Source: The Sustainable Agency)

19/01/2025

The End of an Era: TikTok's Final Dance in America

And so it begins! The social media landscape changed dramatically as TikTok, the app that revolutionised short-form video content and shaped modern internet culture, went dark across America. The platform that became a cultural phenomenon, home to viral dances, trending sounds, and countless creators, ceased operations after failing to meet divestment requirements amid concerns over its ties to China.

With 170 million American users, TikTok's departure leaves an unprecedented void in the social media ecosystem. The app that turned ordinary people into overnight sensations and introduced terms like "For You Page" into everyday vocabulary vanished from Apple and Google's app stores, marking the end of an era that transformed how we consume and create content.

The shutdown represents one of the most significant shifts in social media history, affecting not just casual users but an entire economy of , , and businesses that built their livelihoods on the platform. From dance trends to recipe videos, from educational content to comedy sketches, TikTok had become deeply woven into American digital culture.

ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, faced mounting pressure over data security concerns and alleged connections to the Chinese government. Despite the potential for a last-minute reprieve, the deadline passed without the required sale of the platform's U.S. operations.

This moment marks not just the end of an app, but a turning point in global digital politics and the future of social media regulation. As users migrate to alternative platforms, the true impact of this unprecedented shutdown remains to be seen. But look without sounding facetious, I’m sure people with survive.



(Video from RTE Instagram account)

18/01/2025

What Are Community Notes?

Last week, Mark Zuckerberg announced a major shift: Meta will no longer use independent fact-checking, a system it adopted in 2016. Instead, the company plans to introduce its own version of Community Notes—a crowdsourced content moderation system inspired by X (formerly Twitter). While the idea sounds promising in theory, my confidence in its success is next to zero, especially given the issues we’ve already seen on X.

How Community Notes Work

Meta hasn’t provided specifics on how it will implement Community Notes across Facebook, Instagram, or its other platforms. However, if X’s system serves as a model, here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Contributor Eligibility: On X, users can volunteer as contributors if they’ve had an account for at least six months, linked a phone number, and avoided policy violations. Contributors remain anonymous.
2️⃣ Flagging Posts: Contributors can attach notes to posts they find misleading, offering context or clarification.
3️⃣ Voting on Notes: Other contributors review and vote on whether the note is helpful.

Here’s the kicker: even if a note is accurate, X’s “bridging-based algorithm” evaluates whether the voting group represents diverse ideological perspectives. If not, the note isn’t published.

The Problem with Community Notes

Let’s look at X’s implementation. It’s plagued with delays, allowing misinformation to spread unchecked. Worse, its algorithmic diversity requirement often blocks valid corrections from being published. A study by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that 74% of accurate corrections on X weren’t displayed for users.

To make matters worse, Elon Musk’s leadership has done little to inspire trust. If anything, the flaws in Community Notes on X seem more intentional than accidental.

Now Meta wants to replicate this system. But how can we expect it to work on Facebook and Instagram when X has struggled so badly? Meta doesn’t have a stellar track record, either. From Cambridge Analytica to misinformation scandals, the company’s history raises serious questions about its ability to handle accountability or transparency.

Will It Work?

In theory, crowdsourced moderation could help combat misinformation if implemented thoughtfully, transparently, and with strong safeguards. But given Meta’s history and X’s glaring issues, I’m skeptical. Misinformation spreads quickly, and unless this system can catch up—and ensure accurate corrections are seen—this feels more like a PR move than a real solution.

The reality is, we need effective, reliable tools to fight misinformation, but this isn’t it. What do you think? Can a system like Community Notes ever truly work?

17/01/2025

Australian Lamb’s latest summer ad doesn’t just deliver laughs—it delivers a sharp commentary on the chaos of our digital lives.

The ad imagines a world where people debate climate change, conspiracy theories, and even how to make tea in real life, just like they do in social media comments. But instead of shouting behind keyboards, the discussions unfold (healthily!) over a BBQ.

This annual staple of Aussie culture nails it again, tapping into the combative, divided nature of the online world—Reddit threads, Instagram arguments, and all. And in true tongue-in-cheek fashion, it serves up a reminder: coming together (this time over lamb) beats fighting apart.

But here’s the twist—does this ad reflect where we’re headed? Social media is already rife with misinformation and hostility, and with platforms stepping back from fact-checking in the name of “free speech,” will it get even worse? Will the gap between online toxicity and real-world connection keep growing?

It’s funny and thought-provoking, yes, but also a warning. Can we still bridge the divide between healthy debates in person and the chaos of the comments section? Or is the online battlefield becoming the new norm?

Let’s discuss (kindly) in the comments—because nothing good ever started with “Caps Lock ON.”

r

25/12/2024

🎶🐾 Barking Mad Maestro: The World’s First Canine Conductor! 🐾🎶

Move over Beethoven, because we’ve got Bark-thoven now! 🎻 Imagine an orchestra taking cues not from a baton, but from a wagging tail. Yes, you heard it right—wagging tails conducting symphonies! 🐕🎼

Pedigree took “tail wagging the dog” to a whole new level, putting pups in charge of the Polish Radio Orchestra. The faster the wag, the faster the tempo. The result? Musical masterpieces powered by pure pupper joy! 🐶✨

To inspire those tail-wagging tempos, they waved treats, toys, and probably whispered, “Who’s a good boy?” The dogs said, “Challenge accepted,” and the orchestra followed suit. 🎵 From joyful allegros to soulful adagios, these pups conducted with pawsitive vibes only.

But wait, there’s more! You can stream this tail-spun symphony on platforms like Spotify and Amazon Music. For every listen, Pedigree donates to the Pedigree Foundation, helping shelter dogs find their forever homes. ❤️🐾

Now that’s music to our ears—and our hearts! 🎧🐶

24/12/2024

🌟 Heartstrings 🎧✨

Apple’s newest holiday ad, Heartstrings, is more than a festive story—it’s a groundbreaking celebration of accessibility and connection. 💬🫶

Set on Christmas morning, the ad follows a father living with hearing loss. As his family exchanges gifts, he silently observes, the sounds around him muffled and distant. Then comes the moment that tugs at every viewer’s heart: he activates the hearing aid feature on his AirPods Pro 2. The world transforms. 🎶 His daughter begins to play Our House on her guitar, and with memories of her childhood flashing by, he can finally hear her clearly.

Apple’s innovative hearing health features in iOS 18.1 and AirPods Pro 2 take center stage in this story. For the first time, users can conduct a scientifically validated Hearing Test at home and activate a clinical-grade hearing aid—all through their AirPods. 🦻📱

Here’s the startling reality Apple highlights: people with hearing loss often wait 10 years before seeking help, leaving millions disconnected from the world around them. Heartstrings not only raises awareness but also offers a solution—an end-to-end hearing health experience that is accessible, empowering, and life-changing.

With sound design crafted by three-time Academy Award winner Paul NJ Ottosson, the ad immerses viewers in the nuanced experience of hearing loss, making its message even more powerful.

💡 This holiday season, let’s remember: Connection is the greatest gift of all.

18/12/2024

🎮🍔 Are you ready to “Dare to Play”? (Well… only if you live in Australia that is!) 🍬🎯

Are we at risk of loosing our grip on reality? 🤔

In anticipation of Squid Game 2, McDonald's Australia and Netflix have joined forces to create the “Squid Game” Meal—a once-in-a-lifetime chance to step into the Squid Game universe! 🤣

🔥 What’s in it for you Aussies?
👉 A meal that includes a Dalgona Candy Challenge with an Aussie twist—the Golden Arches shape!
👉 Scan the QR code to enter a race-against-time mobile game and channel your inner player!
👉 Win exclusive co-branded merch and a grand prize of $100,000! 💰

💡 Pro Tip: Head to the Dalgona Candy Challenge event at World Square Sydney and take on the challenge under the watchful eyes of the Pink Guards. 👀🎭

🎥 Plus, experience an immersive film featuring Jeon Young-Soo’s original voice as the Game Instructor.

🍟 McDonald’s is also the official title sponsor for Squid Game 2 in Australia—streaming globally on Boxing Day, Dec. 26.

🏃‍♂️ Ready to play? The “Squid Game” Meal is available NOW, only at Macca’s in Australia.🇦🇺

I’m devastated 😭 NOT

08/12/2024

Love this 2023 initiative by GUINNESS who brewed up something special 🍺❄️— the Foot Pints! 🥾✨ They turned the iconic shape of their pints into a stylish pair of black & white snow boots, designed to leave pint-shaped footprints 🦶🍺 in the snow across Ireland and beyond. The goal? To create an irresistible trail leading straight to the pub 🏮🍻.

These boots starred in a playful 15-second social media promo 🎥, channeling the serious vibe of high-end sneaker drops but with a cheeky twist. The campaign spilled over into press and outdoor ads, showing the Foot Pints striding confidently to pubs throughout the country. 🍀🌨️

Limited-edition pairs were up for grabs, and fans could register their interest online 🌐👟. Created with all the warmth and comfort of a cozy winter boot and the look of a perfectly poured pint of GUINNESS 🍻, these boots ensured you left your mark wherever you raised a glass this holiday season. 🤣🤣

What do you think of them, I think it was pretty clever advertising but not sure I’d wear them!


29/11/2024

Ha I love it, well done O2!!! 🤣

🤖✨ Meet Daisy: The AI Granny Saving the Day! ✨👵

O2 (Telefónica UK) has launched Daisy, a clever AI designed to outsmart scammers by chatting them into a corner by engaging them in endlessly realistic conversations. Equipped with lifelike responses, she talks about hobbies 🧶, family 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦, and more, keeping fraudsters distracted so they can’t trick real people.

One person commented on the video “I loved this. Scammer: "It's been an hour" Al: oh how time flies. Please release more of these. I really enjoyed this example.” 🤣

Part of the Swerve the Scammers campaign, Daisy helps raise awareness about spotting and reporting scams 📞🚨. Just forward suspicious texts to 7726 for investigation. Together, we can take a stand! 💪

🌍 Learn more here: O2 Daisy

🤝 🛑 💡

28/11/2024

This Christmas, Shelter’s 2023 campaign sheds light on the heartbreaking reality faced by too many families. While most festive ads focus on joy and abundance, Shelter’s “Good As Gold” delivers an unmissable and emotional message.

The short film tells the story of Maddy, an 8-year-old girl who learns that being “good” might grant her a wish from Father Christmas. 🎅 With unwavering determination, she goes out of her way to help others—giving up her bus seat, forfeiting her turn at pass the parcel, and showing kindness at every opportunity. But on Christmas morning, her wish is left unanswered. What was she hoping for? A home. 🏠💔

Maddy’s story reflects the harsh reality faced by 131,000 children living in temporary accommodation this Christmas—a number that’s risen by 10,000 in the past year. No child should have to wish for something as fundamental as a safe place to live.

Polly Neate, Shelter’s Chief Executive, sums it up: “We’re doing all we can to support families, but we can’t do it alone. This winter, we need the public’s help.”

🎥 This film is more than a story—it’s a call to action. Let’s ensure no child wakes up without a place to call home.

💔 Please donate if you can, and share to spread the word. Together, we can make a difference.
👉 Find out how to help: https://www.shelter.org.uk

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