Creative Activism and the Call for Collective Action: Highlights from the Article on Water Pollution
- George Schuler
- Aug 30, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 19

In a world where environmental concerns are growing louder, activists are finding increasingly creative ways to draw attention to pressing issues. The recent article by Natasha Wiseman, Founder & Chief Executive of Make Water Famous and WiseOnWater, sheds light on the innovative strategies used by environmental activists to address water pollution in the UK's waterways. Here are the highlights from the thought-provoking article:
1. Inflatable 'Poo' and Satirical Plaques:
The article dives into the imaginative tactics employed by environmental activists to highlight water pollution. From a flotilla of inflatable 'poo' installations to satirical blue plaques targeting politicians, these actions demand attention in a way that traditional methods might not. These unconventional approaches effectively bridge the gap between art, activism, and public awareness, sparking conversations and forcing water pollution into the spotlight.
2. Water Companies in the Spotlight:
The article emphasizes the challenges faced by water companies in addressing the concerns raised by these campaigns. As public interest in water quality grows and more data becomes available, water companies find themselves needing to recapture the narrative and regain public trust. The piece underscores the growing need for these companies to step up their communication efforts and actively engage with the public on water-related issues.
3. Mobilizing Advocates and Partnerships:
An intriguing suggestion emerges from the article — the idea of turning water company employees into advocates for water-saving and pollution prevention messages. Given that these employees are part of the communities they serve, their voices carry authenticity and weight. Additionally, partnering with third parties, such as media outlets, corporations, non-profits, and local authorities, could amplify the reach of these important messages.
4. The Urgency of Public Engagement:
Natasha Wiseman stresses the urgency of engaging the public on water-related concerns. Water security remains a pressing issue, but it has yet to capture the public's attention in a truly meaningful way. The article suggests that for long-term water security to be achieved, everyone must embrace the role of being a messenger of change, fostering collective action towards cleaner waterways and a healthier environment.
5. Gandhi's Wisdom:
The article concludes with a poignant quote from Mahatma Gandhi: "Whenever you have truth, it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected." This encapsulates the importance of delivering information with compassion and empathy, ensuring that the message resonates with individuals and inspires them to take action.
In a world that is increasingly conscious of environmental issues, it's clear that creative activism is a powerful tool for driving change. The article by Natasha Wiseman highlights the ingenuity of activists in raising awareness about water pollution and the crucial role that everyone, from water companies to individuals, plays in securing the future of clean water for all. The call to action is clear: let us all become messengers of change, uniting with love and determination to protect our waterways and preserve our planet.