One’s a massive greenwash campaign encroaching on the PR efforts of a small company trying to do something good. The other is a blog logo dissociated from the cause who’s image it has borrowed, in a different context, with no potential to do harm.

I would ignore you but you have annoyed me just that much…

Does anyone know what’s happening with this anyway? I see EdF are still using their version of the flag all over the place…

I have no idea whether any of the following is true.

I have been given to believe that the etymology of the term “flag” denoted a rectangular, two-dimensional shape. Therein lies the connection between a flag as we know it and a flagstone, for example. In that sense, the Union Flag is the correct term when it is not being displayed.

Similarly, I have heard (but I cannot remember when or where) that it is the act of raising or hoisting a flag that turns it into a “jack”. In this sense there is an obvious connection between a “jack tar” – a sailor who spent his days hoisting flags and sails and a jack as most people understand the term, a device used for lifting a car to change a wheel.

It is the act of hoisting, and thereafter flying or otherwise displaying a flag – but particularly the Union Flag – that turns it into a jack.

If anyone thinks this is rubbish – you could be right. Anyway, enough pedantry for now ….

Best regards,

Jonny.

It seems that this is a matter for debate though..

Cheers
Paul

Love the work Ecotricity is doing.

Just a really minor comment. The correct term for the flag is the Union Flag. It’s only a Union Jack when flown from the jackstaff of a naval vessel.

Keep up the awesome work!

JGS

You replied to a particular comment thread – rather than replying to the post. A few people do that though – must look at the interface design to see if it can be made more obvious…

And unfortunately, at the moment things like solar generation and wind farms just don’t generate enough power, not even close to be considered in any way efficient.

“…Thank you for your recent communication.

We are already investigating this advertisement and your complaint will be added to our file. We shall let you know what we decide in due course.

We should make clear that, although we are investigating the points of complaint related to whether the ads misleadingly implied that EDF were a green company and a British company, we are not going to take up the concern that EDF’s use of a green Union Jack flag was an imitation of a similar image used by Ecotricity. We note the similarities between the concepts but consider that the images are different and the ads make clear that EDF are the marketer. You will note the series of TV ads was shown in succesion during the same commercial break. In any case, we consider that the points we have taken up in our investigation cover the main body of the concerns raised over the similarities between EDF and Ecotricity’s green Union Jack image….”

“Thank you for your e-mail dated 6 July 2009.

As a company EDF Energy have numerous environmental and social commitments.

Please see our website for further details on this.

You can view this at http://www.edfenergy.com

Kind Regards,

EDF Energy
08000969000

At EDF Energy, our challenge is to make London 2012 a turning point in the fight against climate change. You can help by joining the 2012 Carbon Challenge at savetodaysavetomorrow.com

By joining our 2012 Carbon Challenge you can take the first step towards saving energy, reducing your bills and helping to save the environment. Our energy saving programme provides a complete range of ongoing advice, support, products and services to help you every step of the way. Plus, as an added incentive to get you started, we’ll give you the chance to win a range of fantastic prizes including a hybrid car and London 2012 incentives!
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It’s a shame they can’t do anything about EdF’s vans because the similarity there is beyond a joke.

http://www.facebook.com/theedenproject?ref=mf

More people need to complain so that we can bring down these corporate bullies.
It can be like David and Goliath we can bring down these greedy large companies like EDF.
Please all contact the ASA and complain.

…Though they neglected to question the fact it was Greenjacked from Ecotricity, or that EDF are Nuclear and 85% French government-owned, and burn vast amounts of coal to produce electricity.

The danger is that in the name of climate change, Britain will be submerged under a sea of corporate green wash that will dilute and subvert the true meaning of the word Green.

Have them believing Green is nuclear, Green is gas, Green is EDF and British Gas.

Most damaging of all, it may give the British public cause to question Green altogether…

In the wrong hands, that word Green is a weapon of mass destruction in trust.

Thanks for the comment – if you are interested – Tim Smit of Eden Project is attempting to justify EDF’s approach and Eden’s involvement in the Times today.