Swap cigarettes for condoms in anti-smoking drive

A Brazilian action group has come up with a novel way to encourage smokers to quit – by offering them a roll of condoms in exchange for a cigarette.

Alegria gera Saúde – or Joy Generates Health – placed a large blue box on a busy street, with the message “Sex – it’s much better than smoking”.  Passers-by were able to simply place a cigarette into a slot on the front of the box, and the anonymous person inside would hand them the condoms in return.

Delivering the message that that there are better ways to enjoy life, in a double whammy of public health messages, the campaign also emphasises the need for protection when having sex, driving home the notion that sex can come without a health risk, whilst smoking never will.

The beauty of the campaign is that it takes one public taboo and exchanges it for another: in a world where we’re constantly being told what to do, the group – rather than preaching – is saying here’s one ‘bad’ thing you can absolutely do, guilt-free.

Although the impact of the campaign is questionable, it’s nice to see a fun method being used instead of the usual patronising or macabre attempts we’re used to.

Check out people’s reactions to the box here:

ALL Health & Beauty Other