I am all about finding ways to help make this world a better place, even if it is in a small way. The way I see it, every little bit counts. With that being said when the (Product) Red campaign was launched in 2006, I was happy to hear that such a campaign was getting so much attention. I thought it was a great idea to sell “Red” branded products while educating mainstream America about the countless amount of Africans who are dying needlessly of AIDS every year. Although I am not big on the accumulation of unnecessary “stuff”, I thought overall it was a great idea and I even bought and received a few (Product) Red items, which I still love.
That was until I heard of a new campaign and an even better idea, one that called for the elimination of buying more “stuff” and instead just plain giving. The Buy (LESS) campaign is one that I can truly stand behind. There are no “cool” branded products to buy, just a simple plea to give to those who need the money more than we need an iPod or cell phone. I’m really in love with Buy (LESS) . Finally, there is an organization that promotes the idea of just plain giving to charity without buying some plastic piece of junk we don’t really need. There is nothing I dislike about the folks at Buy (LESS), except for the way they have chosen to “advertise”. I really hate unnecessary nudity..it’s stupid and pointless, but that’s a whole different blog….
Overall, (Product) Red is a good idea, but Buy (LESS) is an even better one.
July 6, 2007 at 5:50 pm
I haven’t heard about this campaign yet… but I do want to say I think that the red campaign was brilliantly put together, because most people want to GET something out of giving. which of course, sort of defeats the purpose. but people are going to buy these products regardless, so finding a way to turn materialism into a charitable act… I think it was a great idea that appeals to everyone.
In an idealistic world people would give without recieving, unfortunately we need to bribe them to… this is why I think the RED campaign was a better idea anyway.
but perhap the numbers will prove me wrong.
July 7, 2007 at 10:58 am
I doubt the numbers will prove you wrong. You are right..people (in America especially) just have to be given stuff in return or they don’t care. I love the RED campaign..it’s just you know..I’m a total idealist and think Buy Less is the best. It just frustrates me that no one wants to give. Like my UNICEF page..only three people have donated (thank you so much!) and one of them was me. It’s like..how can forty something people on my list not be able to spare just a dollar? Or even some change you know? Even when I had the thing going on where all you had to do was subscribe by email only a few people did that..and it was free. But yes, you’re right, we have to bribe people.
July 15, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Actually, as it turns out, America is the most giving nation. for all of our materialism there is a lot of people who donate. I just don’t seem to meet them…
It does boggle my mind though that out of all those people, only 3 (including yourself) would give anything. I mean, a few dollars! It’s not hard to think…. Can I spare a mocha this week to improve someone’s less fortunate life?
Well thank God for the people who can see past themselves. Like you!