Within these past two weeks, it’s safe to say the majority of people in the world paid some attention to the summer Olympics in Beijing. Spectators were treated to a beautifully crafted international sporting event, and to beautifully crafted advertisements. We take a look at the Olympics’ “green” ads.

Controversy has surrounded the 2008 Beijing Olympics. From the lip-syncing girls, to phony special effects, China has been under plenty of security. Considering that these Olympics are very political- with China’s denial of freedom of press and religion- the Chinese government was more than happy to accommodate the world’s insatiable thirst for all things green. The Olympics were plastered with “green” ads from the most unlikely companies.

Here’s a sample of how GE, Coca Cola, Samsung and Sinopec are making the Olympic Green look greener.

Sinopec, major Chinese petroleum company:

Message 1: Hovering in the Harmony: Laohe Oilfield

Image 2: Birds flying over peaceful green marshland.

Message 2: Green Olympics, Green Oilfield

Image 2: An oil rig sitting atop rolling rice paddies.

Coca Cola, world’s largest beverage company:

Message 1: Intelligent energy management system reduces energy use up to 35%.

Message 2: Use of the 5.658 climate-friendly refrigeration units in Olympic venues is comparable to taking about 194,000 cars off the road for two weeks.

Message 3: If every athlete in the village recycled two beverage cans a day, this could equal more than 350,000 bottles or cans recycled during the two-week Games.

GE, world’s sixth largest company:

Message: Experience the Imagination Center

Image: An athlete made of green leaves sprinting from the Bird’s Nest

Samsung, world’s second largest conglomerate:

Message: Green! Green!

Image: Flowers, leaves and small windmills decorate the pavilion’s facade.

It’s always lovely to see the world’s biggest polluters profiting off of “green” advertising. I’m sure China is pleased with their “environmentally friendly” ad revenue.

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