When discussing climate change and sustainability, it's not always about what the impacts will be.
A lot has to do with creating awareness and educating society on steps that can be taken to help mitigate potential outcomes or conserve resources.
As part of an advertising class at the University of Miami's School of Communication, students created a video ad—OH, putting the spotlight on water—that encourages viewers to conserve water when brushing their teeth.
The 1 minute and 25 second video informs that six liters of water a minute are wasted if people leave the tap on while brushing. It points out that the World Bank estimates that two-thirds of the world's population will run short of water by 2025.
Sarai Nuñez, a lecturer in the school who teaches the class, said the video was made for a student competition. The students need to research an issue, develop a creative solution to the problem, and identify a potential partner to market the product.
This competition's topic was to figure out a way to get people to turn off the faucet while they brushed their teeth.
In addition to the video, the OH team developed a website that included information on water conversation and a potential line of merchandise with proceeds of sales going to support conservation efforts.
"The project helped create awareness around water conservation for the students, and even me," said Nuñez. "I'm so aware now when I have the tap water on."
The video project was created by students Marina Ruthenberg, Hollie Pollak, Gibson Roberts, Claudia Fernades, Allie Pakrosnis, Matt Ellis.
- Peter E. Howard / UM News