Grim Reapers Greet Runners at Dow Live Earth Run

Instead of cheering supporters, runners at the Dow Live Earth Run for Water in New York on Sunday were greeted by environmental activists. The skeleton-clad activists were on hand to protest Dow's event sponsorship, which some called a "greenwashing" attempt, in light of their ties to the Bhopal toxic chemicals leak. There are currently civil and criminal cases related to the disaster pending against Union Carbide, which is now owned by Dow Chemical Company.

Such are the dangers that sponsors with spotty environmental records risk when jumping on board Earth Day activities. In recent weeks, we've also seen a museum take heat for Shell's sponsorship of a climate change exhibit and Earth Day rebuke a lawn care sponsor for environmental violations. Public skepticism abounds sponsorship. Seems crisis management needs to be a required course for properties and event organizers, as well as sponsors, these days.

Related topics: Shell's Climate Change Sponsorship Causes Blogosphere Meltdown, Earth Day Balks At Lawn Care Sponsorship