The 1970s “Crying Indian” campaign, as it came to be known, with its poignant imagery and simple message about littering, has left an indelible mark on American culture. 

Yet, as we unpack the history and implications of this campaign, we discover that not all was as it appeared. 

It served as a brilliant marketing tactic by corporations to shift the onus of pollution onto individuals, effectively masking the real environmental damage caused by corporate practices. The origins of the Keep America Beautiful campaign reveal how it was strategically designed to deflect attention from industry-generated pollution and place the blame squarely on consumers. 

The campaign highlights the pernicious nature of greenwashing and its evolution into the modern business landscape, where companies often prioritize image over genuine environmental responsibility.  Our guest, Lee Stewart, is the author of How to Build Sustainability Into Your Business Strategy: A Practical No-Nonsense Guide for Business Leaders.

His work and book provide insight into how businesses can navigate this complex terrain. He emphasizes the need to shift from superficial sustainability claims to authentic action. 

Drawing from his extensive experience across various industries, Lee outlines practical steps for integrating sustainability into business operations. He advocates for a triple bottom line approach, where profit, people, and planet are equally prioritized, and urges business leaders to engage their teams in meaningful conversations about sustainability. 

Takeaways:

• The iconic Crying Indian ad, while effective in reducing litter, also shifted blame onto individuals, diverting attention from corporate pollution. 
• Cody Iron Eyes, the face of the ad, wasn’t actually Native American, raising questions about authenticity in environmental messaging. 
• Authentic sustainability efforts must focus on systemic change rather than merely reducing individual litter, or they risk becoming greenwashing. 
• Lee Stewart advocates for actionable sustainability strategies that genuinely engage businesses to create long-term environmental benefits. 
• A robust sustainability strategy involves understanding the business’s impact, engaging employees, and aligning with customer expectations for a competitive edge. 
• The call for transparency in sustainability practices is growing, with frameworks, like Lee Stewart’s Triple C framework, requiring companies to disclose their carbon emissions and environmental impacts.

Resources:

• Lee Stewart Book, Bio, Media, and Press
• Cody Iron Eyes and Keep America Beautiful
• Global Warming is Real