Parody of nature posters shows the top ‘trash species’ in New Zealand’s waters

Indie agency Augusto created the illustrations, working off pollution data from Sustainable Coastlines

Published On
Oct 21, 2024
Poster showing the "Trash Species of Aotearoa New Zealand"

Editor's Pick

Data and art combine memorably in independent agency Augusto’s new work for New Zealand environmental group Sustainable Coastlines, featuring a parody of nature posters showing the “Trash Species of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

The 21 “species”—including the Quarter Flounder, Cling Crab and Socktopus, among others—were selected by analyzing Sustainable Coastlines’ Litter Intelligence data to determine the top offenders. New Zealand wildlife artist Erin Forsyth then created watercolor illustrations of them. Individual species are highlighted on their own posters, with blurbs mimicking scientific descriptions.

Outdoor posters from the campaign

The campaign includes a public art exhibition showing the original artworks. Premium prints of the poster will also be available to buy on Sustainable Coastline’s website.

“This campaign helps to highlight the threat of totally unwanted ‘species’ that are finding their way into our oceans through littering, open bins and down stormwater drains,” said Helen Adams-Blackburn, communications manager at Sustainable Coastlines. “It draws the connection between items we might use on a daily basis and the beaches and wildlife we hope to protect. The message is simple: catch your trash before it fills our oceans, whether that’s changing your buying habits or making sure something is disposed of properly.”

“I think most of us have heard, and seen, the litter problem in this country, but it wasn’t until we saw the very humbling data that we realized how preventable things were,” said Adam Thompson, executive creative director at Augusto. “By showing the visible impact through a much-loved piece of Kiwiana, we will hopefully motivate people to change how they treat their trash.”

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Credits

Date
Oct 21, 2024
Client :
Sustainable Coastlines
Agency :
Augusto
COO :
Kate Rooney
Communications Manager :
Helen Adams-Blackburn
Social Media Coordinator :
Janey Smith
Engagement Manager :
Dan Downing
Artist :
Erin Forsyth
Executive Creative Director :
Adam Thompson
Creative :
Mitchell Crowe
Creative :
Ben Carroll
Creative :
Marissa Schmidt
Account Manager :
Frances Nadan
General Manager :
Wade Beeby
Senior Designer :
Nina Vasiljevic
Head of Design :
James Davison
Exhibition Production :
Ballyhoo
Head of Event :
Emma Henderson
Content Production :
Corner Store
General Manager :
Lara Marshall
Creative Producer :
Robyn Nicholls
Social Manager :
Rachel Wilson
Content Producer :
Sean Fleet
Editor :
James Farron
Editor :
Marcus Brill
Motion Designer :
Marcus Brill
PR :
Sophie Kafusi
Thanks to :
Benefitz
Thanks to :
El Framo
Thanks to :
The Seafood Collective
Thanks to :
UFO Rodeo
Thanks to :
NZME
Thanks to :
Phantom
Thanks to :
Go Media
Thanks to :
Lumo
Thanks to :
Channel Magazine

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