Advertising impacts us in many ways, whether through manipulating us unconsciously or encouraging excessive consumption which is damaging our environment and wellbeing. Here we set out some of the big issues with advertising.
Our pamphlets are free to download and use.
Meat, Egg and Dairy advertising
Discover the tactics used by advertisers to conceal the real stories of the meat, eggs and dairy we consume, and how we can challenge them.
Mental health
Take a look at how corporate outdoor advertising works, how it encourages and thrives on our insecurities, body dissatisfaction, debt and unhappiness, and why we would be happier and healthier if our city streets were ad-free.
Sexism, gender and body image
Our second pamphlet, co-produced with Bristol Zero Tolerance, looks at the history of feminist responses to corporate advertising. It draws the links between advertising imagery and street harassment in public space.
The environment
Advertising acts as an engine for consumerism – but what are the impacts of consumer society on the planet and ecological support systems? How does the distribution of billboards relate to issues of road congestion, air pollution and environmental justice?
Local economy
Outdoor corporate advertising encourages us to spend money on multinational companies that take money out of the local area. Ad revenues received by local councils are outweighed by the hidden costs to the public purse from consumer advertising such as obesity, air pollution and public health.
Light pollution
This briefing highlights the serious impact of light pollution emitted by digital advertising screens including the impact on biodiversity and the environment, on people’s health, and what can be done about it using local and national policy and legislation.