The public relations and ad firms refusing fossil fuel clients

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The public relations and ad firms refusing fossil fuel clients
28 Jul 2022
min read

News Synopsis

Marian Ventura, the head of a PR and advertising agency, was happy to work on projects for oil and gas companies up until three years ago. "I felt I was pushing change from the inside, collaborating to enhance their transparency and accountability," says the founder of Done!, which is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

She claims that the fossil fuels sector is regarded as "prestigious" in Latin America. They support every sustainability competition or award in the area, and because of their large budgets, they are undoubtedly the "best clients to have." When Ms. Ventura made the decision to certify her company as a so-called "B Corp" organisation in 2019, her emotions began to change.

Under this international certification programme, businesses strive to meet the highest social and environmental standards.

"As a B company, we know that in order to fulfil our corporate purpose we cannot turn a blind eye to these questions: Who am I selling to? What am I selling? Will I be proud of what I am selling in 10 years?," says Ms Ventura.

She decided last year that Done! would join the movement known as Clean Creatives, which currently numbers 350 advertising and PR agencies. By committing to the movement, they promise to renounce any future employment with fossil fuel companies or their trade associations.

 

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