Actor Bryan Cranston, famous for his role as Walter White in the hit series “Breaking Bad,” has taken on a new role in a public service ad campaign against littering in New Mexico. The campaign, titled “Breaking Bad habits,” aims to raise awareness about the impacts of everyday littering and illegal dumping in the state.
The ad features Cranston as White rolling a steel drum into the desert to collect and dispose of litter. In a menacing voice, he tells viewers to “keep litter out of my territory.” New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham hopes that the use of the iconic character will help draw attention to the serious concerns surrounding litter and pollution in a state that heavily relies on outdoor tourism and filmmaking.
The $3 million campaign, funded by the state, includes billboard ads and cleanup efforts involving various state agencies, schools, recreation centers, and prison crews. The goal is to encourage people to reduce packaging and plastics and have a discussion about proper waste disposal.
During the unveiling of the ad, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller highlighted the shift in waste disposal costs onto consumers due to the rise of online shopping. He emphasized the need to reconsider how waste disposal is managed and financed as more bulk trash ends up in households.
The ad campaign has garnered support from county and city officials, with many recognizing the importance of addressing littering and pollution issues in the state. By using a popular character like Walter White to deliver the message, the campaign aims to capture the public’s attention and inspire action towards cleaner and more sustainable practices in New Mexico.