The local campaign admired around the world.
When we got that first call from Denver Water, we had no idea it would end up like this. For a decade Use Only What You Need had an enormous impact on water conservation. It helped Denver to be named one of the most sustainable cities in America. It has been acknowledged and studied around the globe. And now Use Only What You Need has been inducted into the OBIE Hall of Fame. Denver Water will join the likes of Apple, Nike, Levis, McDonalds, ESPN, and other iconic brands.
Thanks Denver Water. Thanks OAAA. It’s been one heck of a ride.
Results
In 2006, the Denver Water Board declared a goal to reduce water consumption by 22% in ten years. After the first three months of the Use Only What You Need campaign a 21% reduction was reported by the utility and those savings have continued through today.
You know the guy who’s so oblivious, he waters his lawn even when it’s raining? Don’t be that guy.
- :30 Blue Jeans
- :30 Sandals
Do you like to read when you’re sitting on the toilet? Good. Take a seat.
By and large, people do the right thing. So when Denver Water asked everyone to Use Only What You Need, they did. And water consumption dropped 21 percent.
But imagine if you could save even more without giving up a thing. That’s what happens when you use a WaterSense high-efficiency toilet. Every one of them saves almost 4,000 gallons a year. Denver Water even offered to give people a $75 rebate to make the switch.
That was big news. And where’s the best place to read news like this? You guessed it. So we created long copy posters at bus shelters. And provided an appropriate place to sit down and read them.
It broke all the rules for out-of-home advertising. But people loved it all the same. And the Outdoor Advertising Association of America honored the campaign with the Best of Show at their annual awards ceremony.
