PLASTIKI
Sydney Arrival
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Momentum² managed the Australian media and community outreach campaign for David de Rothschild’s Plastiki expedition, a landmark voyage of more than 8,000 nautical miles and 130 days across the Pacific Ocean.
In a boat made from 12,500 reclaimed plastic soft drink bottles, the Plastiki crew sailed from San Francisco to Sydney to raise awareness of the issue of plastic waste in the world’s oceans.
Sophisticated broadband and satellite communications equipment as well as renewable energy technologies on board the Plastiki gave the crew an unprecedented level of connectivity to the outside world. The crew was able to connect with media around the world from the boat via live interviews, email and satellite phone, spreading the message to reduce waste, reject single-use plastics and recycle.
The Plastiki received an overwhelming response from Australian and international media when the boat arrived in Sydney on 26 July, 2010.
OUTCOMES
Momentum² organised a media flotilla to meet the Plastiki in Sydney Harbour. Momentum² founder Kim McKay also acted as Master of Ceremonies at the arrival ceremony and the press conference hosted by the Plastiki crew at the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM), Darling Harbour.
Momentum² worked closely with the NSW Government’s Department of Premier and Cabinet Community Engagement and Events Division on the details of the Plastiki’s arrival, ensuring all government agencies were engaged with the project.
Momentum² coordinated David de Rothschild and the Plastiki crew’s public appearances at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Sydney University and the ANMM and promoted the Plastiki’s public open day at the ANMM.
Momentum² also worked with the Plastiki’s sponsors to maximise their active involvement in the campaign, including IWC Schaffhausen, HP, Inmarsat and Kiehl’s, as well as partners ARUP, which held a roundtable with senior environmental leaders, and Revo Eyewear.
Examples of some media releases and coverage