THE SOLUTION
At SXSW, it was the ocean’s turn to fight back. As noted above, we use 500 million plastic straws every single day—and most end up in the ocean, polluting the water and killing marine life. At this rate, by 2050, plastic in the ocean will outweigh fish. These compelling facts were on display throughout the Sucker Punch experience reminding participants why the ocean is angry...and why an octopus tentacle was smacking them in the face and sending their plastic straw flying. No two slaps were the same, so each participant received a totally unique slow-mo video to share on social, along with their pledge to #StopSucking.
THE INSTALLATION
SXSW Sucker Punch Activation
Step Right Up
We started with a Mashable House activation where sucker punch volunteers waited more than 35 minutes to get the plastic smacked out of them. The next weekend, we partnered with Rachel Ray's Feedback music event where the likes of De La Soul participated in the activation as well!
THE PUNCH
A giant octopus tentacle and your beautiful face.
The Ocean Fights Back
Good-humored celebs like Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Brooklyn Decker, Adrian Grenier, and De La Soul joined in the fun along with hundreds of conference goers. Because everyone likes a good old fashioned slow-motion punch to the face.
THE MOVEMENT
One punch turned ordinary people into ocean-health activists.
Making Real Change
The fun at SXSW sparked a movement. Around the time Russell Wilson and Tom Douglas got involved, we knew we were making strides. Venues across the city started to go strawless including the Space Needle, Mariners Stadium, Seahawks Stadium, and more than 200 restaurants. Pretty soon, Seattle became the first major U.S. city to legislate a ban on single-use plastic straws.
