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June 11, 2019
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YOUTUBE IS FAILING PRIDE MONTH
Last week Vox video journalist Carlos Maza took to Twitter and accused right-wing YouTuber Steven Crowder of harassing him with homophobic remarks for over two years. Maza’s major issue, however, wasn’t solely with Crowder, but with the fact that YouTube allows content like Crowder’s to live and thrive on its platform. The story continued to explode after YouTube said that Crowder’s videos didn’t violate its vague harassment policies and refused to take them down. In response to the outcry, CEO Susan Wojcicki has since apologized to the LGBTQ community, deciding to demonetize Crowder’s channel and commit to updating these policies, shy of taking the videos down.
 
Given the long-simmering problems LGBTQ+ creators (and Google employees) have had with YouTube, it was only a matter of time before these issues went viral. All of this while Wattpad, a storytelling platform gaining traction with young people, is positioning itself this month as “the content platform elevating LGBTQ+ authors.” As Wattpad and other social media and video sharing platforms like TikTok continue to gain traction, particularly with young people, what’s to stop those LGBTQ+ YouTubers and their viewers from jumping ship for greener pastures in the long run?
DROWNING IN PLASTIC
To say we have a plastic problem is an understatement. We’ve been warned that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. This issue is becoming more and more top of mind for consumers questioning their own consumption habits, and brands who clearly have a role in the supply chain.
 
For last Saturday’s World Oceans Day, Corona announced customers in select bars can trade in plastic waste for an ice cold beer. Ben and Jerry’s will no longer have single-use plastics in its stores. Lush is re-releasing its Shark Fin Soap to support shark conservation work, and Herbal Essences is using repackaged ocean plastic for its latest collection. Adobe and Pantone partnered with the Ocean Agency to create new colors to highlight the importance of saving coral reefs. Unilever’s Love, Beauty, and Planet partnered with The Surfrider Foundation to organize 26 beach cleanups with 5K volunteers across the country. And over 200 outdoor retailing brands have formed a Plastic Impact Alliance ahead of their upcoming trade conference.
 
The list goes on, and brands are stepping up with long-term commitments to action. Nestlé Waters announced it is moving its Poland Spring line to 100% recycled plastic bottles by 2022. They’ve joined the recently launched #BrandsforGood initiative, along with brands including Procter & Gamble and National Geographic, in a commitment to drive sustainability at scale. Smart move for brands looking to appeal to young consumers who demand authenticity and impact beyond a mere cause campaign.
ICYMI

  Hm, what does an Xbox smell like?

  200 execs say restricting abortion is bad for business.

  Sephora nails it with "Identify As We." #HighFive

  Young people are changing the definition of volunteering.

  The week's must read: Better schools won't fix America.
 
Today's Quick Hit
 This little boy’s reaction to Ali Stroker’s historic Tony win.
DoSomething Strategic (formerly TMI Strategy) is the data-driven consultancy arm of DoSomething.org. We help brands and organizations engage young people for positive social change.

Want to learn more about how we help clients activate young people?
Reply to this email to meet Meredith, our Managing Director.
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