United Airlines Appoints Oscar The Grouch As Chief Trash Officer
Image via PRNewsfoto/United Airlines
Oscar the Grouch has landed a job that will make some green with envy—he gets to talk about something he’s extremely passionate about (trash) and be paid for it. The grumpy Sesame Street character has already moved into his new office and decorated it in a way only Oscar the Grouch can.
The muppet has finally found something worth wearing a tie for after learning that United Airlines has created a new ‘Chief Trash Officer’ position. In the first video of a long-term series that will last through the end of 2023, at the very least, Oscar is seen discovering the job opening while reading The Compost.
The airline has teamed up with Sesame Workshop to educate travelers on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and how it works. The eco alternative can be made from refuse like banana peels and used cooking oil—essentially, trash, which Oscar naturally happens to have a nose for.
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Sesame Street and its nonprofit Sesame Workshop have a knack for condensing complex subjects into ways learners can easily comprehend. As SAF remains an unfamiliar concept for many, the carrier is looking to teach the public about the fuel’s benefits—no promises there won’t be trash-talking, though—via amusing clips of Oscar at work with real United employees.
“This campaign provided a special opportunity to showcase an iconic Sesame Street character, Oscar the Grouch, celebrating what he loves best —trash,” remarks Jennifer Ahearn, VP of Global Strategic Partnerships & Themed Entertainment at Sesame Workshop. “The amazing collaboration helps United Airlines explain in simpler terms the technology of turning trash into fuel in a fun and engaging manner.”
Image via United Airlines
Says Josh Earnest, United’s Chief Communications Officer: “United has invested in more sustainable aviation fuel production than any airline in the world, by far. Every airline burns jet fuel to run their business, but no airline will solve climate change on its own. So United has enlisted Oscar to help us educate the traveling public of all ages about SAF and rally them to the cause of fighting climate change.”
“From banana peels to fryer grease, Oscar is uniquely qualified to help us explain why trash could be the treasure that fuels the jets of the future,” Earnest continues.
And don’t worry, you won’t have to sit in filth like Oscar to help out. United fliers can now book economy flights based on the trips’ respective emissions, as an estimated carbon footprint is now displayed with each option on the app and website. Travelers also have the choice of contributing to United’s UAV Sustainable Flight Fund, where it backs startups working on decarbonizing air travel.
By the looks of it, the furry monster does have what it takes to soar high in his career. He knows exactly what he should do: “Make people love trash. Got it.”
[via USA Today and Simple Flying, images via United Airlines]
