I’ve been a member of Greenpeace for almost 15 years now, since somehow I ended up with this leaflet in my hands, when I was living in Tonbridge in Kent:
Even now I think it’s one of the best designed pieces of marketing I’ve ever seen (confession – I work in marketing!).
It made such an immediate impression on me: if our planet was a 46 year old, then the selfish, greedy human race has managed to stuff it up in just the last minute.
It put into context how insignificant humans have been in the history of the planet, and at the same time, how much we are damaging it.
I joined Greenpeace shortly afterwards and have championed the organisation ever since. I have been proud to know that my donations have contributed to their many campaigns and I will continue to do so.
That 46 year old planet will always be here, ageing far too slowly for humans to ever notice. But maybe, if we continue to campaign and bring awareness to the public, we can extend our time here by another few minutes…
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I remember seeing this story on a Greenpeace leaflet too, also probably around 15 years ago when I read it with my sister. I vaguely remember us both thinking that it is really quite moving and profound - it certainly makes a strong case as to the need for urgent action for the environment.
As the story is presented in the scan it comes to an abrupt stop, concluding with a rather bleak message about the state of the planet. Would I be right in thinking that the story was actully followed by some text that was more positive? For example an appeal for funds or options for getting involved in local Greenpeace groups.