Are You Being Green Washed? A Guide For the Conscious Consumer

By Roland Poitevin

Consumer awareness of environmental issues has never been higher. As this awareness has grown so too has the marketing spin attached to it with advertisers jumping on the band wagon and using it to sell their products. Just how much of their claims are a Green Wash though?

According to Terrachoice green advertising has increased ten times since 1990 but it found that only 2% of the claims made had any real substance. The biggest offenders in this game are cosmetics, household cleaners and children's toys. So, how can you tell if you've been green washed?

The use of vague terms like Green, Environmentally Friendly, sustainable, natural and pure is absolutely meaningless unless they are substantiated. These terms are so general that they have no real weight to them. Look for information that backs up these terms in a concrete way. If it's not there on the packaging then it's most likely a green wash. Quite often you'll see "fragrance free" on the front of the pack only to find fragrance listed in the ingredients on the back.

Watch out for products that are sold as organic but have no third party certification. Again, with wood products that advertise themselves as having come from sustainably grown timber look for the proof.

Within the huge green spin you'll find a mish mash of claims that when scrutinized prove to be totally irrelevant. A classic example of this is the way products in spray cans, fridges and freezers scream out " CFC Free!" when the use of CFC's has been banned for years. The same trick is used by toilet paper manufacturers who proudly claim their product to be biodegradable. You would have to be worried if their paper wasn't. This is totally irrelevant information that is solely designed to make you think you're dealing with an environmentally conscious company.

True environmentally friendly materials and ingredients come at a premium. You want to be sure you are getting what you pay for and supporting those companies that are making a genuine effort to clean up their act. Take a closer look and don't let them fool you.

Roland Poitevin is a dedicated writer with a passion for business and environmental issues. You can check out his new website at Exterior Light Fixtures which helps people find the best Outdoor Lighting Like Kichler Outdoor Lighting and information they are looking relating to this subject.

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