During the 60's the term Greenwashing was identified. Greenwashing means that some companies claim their product as beneficial to the environment or sustainable, which is ultimately false. It's basically false advertising. Time and money is spent on advertising the benefits rather than on actually making their products or services green.
As the world looks more and more at ways to protect the planet some organisations are misleading in their claim to be a greener alternative than others.
Some companies would like you to think that they are interested in protecting the environment, when sadly they are not.
The danger comes when you think you are purchasing a product from an environmentally responsible company but in fact they are misleading you, then you are contributing to harming the environment. It's not your fault but the fault of the company, you should be able to have confidence in the product's advertised "Ecofriendly" claim. A product label can also include a logo for a certification that doesn't even exist!
A 2010 analysis of nearly 5,300 home and family products on the market found that 95% made problematic green claims!
It sounds simple, but to avoid corporate false and misleading claims you need to check the label on a product for natural ingredients. Check the company's practices for making ethical decisions, for example reducing carbon emissions, promoting recycling and reducing plastic packaging. Use a site like: Ecolabel Index or a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) label is another method used by a company's willingness to show their transparency. It's time consuming and in a time poor world we don't always put the time aside to check a company's policies and the product's label.
Companies may claim they are taking steps towards being completely green in one area and totally the opposite in another. Again this is confusing to the consumer. It takes time and a considerable amount of money to transform the way a company does business and produces a product, right down to the packaging and shipping methods.
When purchasing products from a company that claims to be "Ecofriendly" most people feel happier that they are contributing to the health of the environment and not to it's demise. We strive to save energy, recycle and upcycle where possible. We are composting, planting vegetable gardens and have chickens in suburban backyards. Eliminating chemical fertilisers and pesticides from our backyards doesn't make sense when we don't make conscious decisions about our purchases.
One way to keep informed is to join Facebook groups such as the The Low Tox Project Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/538087559907468
Ask a question and you will be given loads of advice and alternatives.
Take a look at this diagram when it comes to "green" cleaning products, which is the lesser of two evils?
We can see how chemicals used for the purpose of cleaning affect us and the environment. We know that chemicals are dangerous.
Did you know that the air in your home can be more toxic than outdoors? That's a scary fact! Think about the chemicals you use for cleaning, washing dishes and laundry, and your personal care products.
What are you adding to the landfill? Repeat buys include: plastic bottles, disposable sponges or wipes, paper towel. Not all companies provide refills for their bottles or compostable/recyclable packaging.
Many years ago before I was introduced to microfibre cleaning I used every chemical to "protect" my family from bacteria. Every week (because I am so house proud) I would splash chemicals around giving no thought to the environment, my or my family's health and I certainly didn't think about the landfill or waterways!
If you are using microfibres for your cleaning and skin care, you should be congratulated! Good quality microfibres can last up to 3 years with regular usage. Sustainability should be an important consideration.
Check the back story of the company:
Does it deliver your products in packaging that doesn't contain plastic? Is it zero waste? Is the delivery using the least harmful mode of transportation?
Are the fibres made in factories using clean energy? No water waste, toxic waste or emissions?
Are the fibres locally sourced and hand made supporting local families?
Does the company offset emissions by reforestation projects?
Does the company take back your old fibres for UPcycling therefore preventing anything going to the landfill.
Points to consider when using "green" products as opposed to chemicals are:
The cost goes up
Repeat buying is not only expensive but the products themselves are usually disposable
Wasting water, by rinsing the product off the surface
Is it actually safe for the environment?
and many more.
What is important to you, or what are your values?
Is the product sustainable?
Packaging, is it really recyclable?
Does the company offset their emissions?
When I get it home, where will I store it?
Is it dangerous or harmful to children?
Fair Trade.
Environmental impact.
And then there is the cost.
Ultimately it requires time spent researching the product and the company.
What does eco-friendly mean?
Basically it means that the product or service is friendly to the ecology. This also applies to the company's method of production and delivery. Purchasing these products implies a healthier lifestyle.
What does low tox or non toxic mean?
Simply put, it means not poisonous or toxic.
This short blog gives you 5 tips for living a low tox life:
Greenwashing is a buyer beware situation. On one hand you like to think you are making a conscious decision about the product you are about to purchase but the company takes advantage of the fact that you just don't have to time to research the company or the product.
For large purchases like an appliance or mattress it's absolutely worth the effort to check the company's sustainability. Same goes for products you purchase regularly like household cleaning and personal care products.
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