The Untold Story of Jerry Mander’s Groundbreaking Campaign and the Power of Activism
70 Ads to Save the World is a pivotal book that highlights the powerful role advertising has played in shaping public consciousness around activism. Compiled by Jerry Mander, a prominent figure in the environmental and social justice movements, the book showcases how ads were used as tools for protest, awareness, and change. Mander, known for his advocacy work with the Sierra Club, was instrumental in pioneering this approach during the late 1960s.
One of the most notable campaigns in the book is the Sierra Club’s fight to save the Grand Canyon from dam construction. The Sierra Club launched an advertising campaign that brought public attention to the threat posed by the government-backed project. Their ads, bold and unapologetic, helped galvanize public opinion to protect the iconic national landmark. However, their activism was not without consequences. The IRS retaliated against the Sierra Club, revoking their tax-exempt status, which sparked national outrage.
Through the power of advertising, Mander and the Sierra Club created a movement that extended beyond environmentalism and into the realm of public advocacy. The fight to save the Grand Canyon, as featured in American Masters: A Fierce Green Fire, stands as a powerful testament to how media, activism, and public opinion can converge to protect the planet.
