MTV - Green Picks Recycle Machine

Noticed that most of your (credit++)cards have expiration dates? And I guess you throw them away when they are expired, don't you?
MTV found a sollution for those cards. They have created an installation named 'Green Picks Recycle Machine', so you can create your very own "Gold-Mastercard-pick" or "Gym-member-card-pick" or "Cake-society-member-card-pick" or "Mensa-member-card-pick" or, or....

Such a good idea! If you play guitar or know someone who does.
Heeeey, idea for Christmas gifts.. hehe..


Spotted on  Anastasia Gerali's blog.

People in Need

'The Dutch charity organization Mensen in Nood (people in need) hits the streets with a remarkable campaign. People in need are posing with the typical attributes of consumer culture. The price of a designer handbag (€32) is compared with the price of a whole week of food (€4), The price a pint of beer (€4.50) with the price of 50 liter clean water (€1.50). The pictures were taken by Swedish fashion photographer Carl Stolz.' - Occupy Design UK

Click on the pictures to enlarge and see text clearer:

What do I think about it..
To me this is one of those moments I think advertising is both great and important. Charity ads are so easily being all the same 'see how horrible this looks/is, support us!'-campaign and sadly it is so easy to get sick and tired of them and just walk past them thinking "I know about that, I have seen that before". It is really sad too to admit I feel that way as I would really like to help. But I do believe I am not the only one...(??) And therefor it is so important in these cases to capture the viewer, make them stop and look at it and be "surprised". Show them what they know but in a way they haven't thought of before, and most importantly: Do it in a way so the viewer can relate to it.
And that is what I think the people behind this campaign have achieved. They have done something different. They have challenged our view of "normal", everyday commercials and the spotless models presented in these, and given us an uncomfortable realisation of what we have of goods compared to what other people in this world do.