Don't Be Fooled

As a consumer I’m sure you’ve been noticing the recent changes in advertising: the going green bandwagon; the eco-friendly packaging; even the constant reminder of the impact your every move makes on our planet. Have you stopped to honestly take a look at these current advertisements or claims? There may be a few KEY things you’re missing when looking at these “eco-friendly” ads or claims.

            According to The Greenwash Guide and Eco-Promising it’s important to remember a few things. First, according to The Greenwash Guide, it’s important to remember that the ad or claim shouldn’t have a lot of words you don't understand. Salts Organic Clothing has a claim on their website about having the same values we do when it comes to our clothing, we want organic: so do they, we want to express our love for nature: so do they, but what is interesting to me is that they never say what it is they DO to actually help our planet or make their clothing organic. How are they truly helping the environment with the clothing they sell? The Greenwash Guide also states that when purchasing a product that states they are sustainable you need to make sure their entire company is sustainable. What’s the point of having a environmentally sustainable product if the rest of their company is destroying the planet. A website called “Better Paper” states that Aveda does their part not only with their products, but also through their manufacturing and packaging their products. Here is an ad that shows what Aveda is doing to keep a sustainable company as well as showing they know what their consumers want with each product they purchase, which is important according to Eco-Promising.

On more important thing to remember, according to Eco-Promising, is if the claim or ad you are reviewing seems a bit off it probably is. If something about it seems untrue or unbelievable it probably is.

Please do some research especially if it’s a company to who you are loyal. See if they are active in sustainable organizations or promote the effort in reducing our carbon footprint. I don’t think all “sustainable” advertising is bad. Some are truly honestly trying to improve they way we live on this beautiful planet. Some unfortunately are just doing it for themselves, for the company’s reputation. If you’re serious about saving the planet find and be loyal to companies who are also. 

This is a really good commercial, from Super Bowl 2010, I found that relates to our topics of discussion! Something fun to watch...