Greenwashing

First of all what is greenwashing? It is a form of brainwashing consumers by marketing gurus with their “green” product labels. Today’s supermarkets are exploding with “green”, “all natural” and “eco” products. Sales are soaring. Who does not want to be green? But are all of these products really so good for you and the environment?

A closer look at the labels reveals a different story. I just received a sample of “natural” laundry detergent by one of the top brand manufactures. It came with a little booklet attached, titled “Green+Clean” where all kinds of green tips are provided. Great. The sample itself boasts “95% natural” and “Free of phosphates”. Then it clearly states: “CAUTION: IRRITANT:MAY IRRITATE EYES. Contents may be harmful if swallowed. Do not get in eyes. Do not swallow…If swallowed, call a Poison Control Centre.” While this may be just precautionary, it really makes me wonder what is hidden in those 5% of “non-natural” ingredients.To me it just seems like a good example of greenwashing.

Advertising screams: buy our “new” and “improved” products, they are good and safe, they are “natural”. (And beware: "natural" is another ambiguous word. After all some poisonous substances are also natural). But in fact these are just "improved" versions ofthe same product.

Remember about the “leave no trace” rule of wilderness camping. Do not use “fake green” products in streams, lakes or rivers. They could cause damage to the environment and fish living there.

So, what are we to do? Use more common sense and read the labels more carefully. Do not be misled by all those “natural” terms used in advertising and well, be prepared to pay a few cents more per load of laundry. Look for real eco-friendly, toxic-free, bio-degradable and 100% organic natural cleaning products. Know that it is worth it.