'Greenwashing:' combating untrue green advertising
Todd N. Hansen
Issue date: 9/26/08 Section: News
The Federal Trade Commission would likely be the agency to do something about greenwashing. In fact, the commission does have "green guides" that have been recently updated.
These guides deal with a business using environmental claims in the forms of labeling, advertising, promotional materials and all other forms of marketing.
The first thing these guides do is ask whether the company claims environmental benefit from either the product itself, the packaging or a service. For instance, when a box is labeled recyclable, it must be specific as to what is recyclable.
The next guide is controlling companies that overstate their benefits. The last guide deals with companies making comparative claims.
There is no doubt that greenwashing is harmful. Many people and students on campus look for products that are environmentally friendly. If more people knew who is greener, then companies that actually are would benefit.
After all, as consumers, spending power is all we have.
These guides deal with a business using environmental claims in the forms of labeling, advertising, promotional materials and all other forms of marketing.
The first thing these guides do is ask whether the company claims environmental benefit from either the product itself, the packaging or a service. For instance, when a box is labeled recyclable, it must be specific as to what is recyclable.
The next guide is controlling companies that overstate their benefits. The last guide deals with companies making comparative claims.
There is no doubt that greenwashing is harmful. Many people and students on campus look for products that are environmentally friendly. If more people knew who is greener, then companies that actually are would benefit.
After all, as consumers, spending power is all we have.
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