Greenwashing?
It is a term that entered the oxford dictionary in 1999
It is defined as “dis-information disseminated by an organisation so as to present an environmentally responsible public image”
“Oh, no”, I hear you say, “Now how do I ever trust advertising and corporate spin?” Did you ever?
Well it requires investigation, on your part, not just acceptance of what is being claimed.
If you wish to report a company making misleading “green” claims you can do so at the following site
http://www.greenwashreport.org/
Another way is to look for “Greenhouse friendly” labelling – an onerous accreditation process for the manufacturer, and the program is conducted by the Fedral Dept of Climate Change.
Some tidbits for you to ponder
The Enviro shopping bags that have replaced the plastic bag, are fantastic for many many re-uses, but what happens when it becomes torn or dilapidated? The material they are made from is not biodegradable in fact it is polypropolene, and is made from fossil fuel, and they are imported (transport miles) from China. HOWEVER THEY ARE MUCH PREFERRED TO PLASTIC BAGS! If you can get your hands on cotton, or hemp – BETTER STILL!
Fosters Brewery have invested in Green – beer – Yes this one is for real!
Cascade green beer is the FIRST ever completely carbon offset beer to be introduced to the Australian market. It is certified under the Greenhouse Friendly Program (GFP)
If you are renovating or building how about looking at the toilet cistern with the handbasin located on top of the cistern, yes you do need room to stand beside the toilet to wash you hands, but you don’t need a separate basin at the vanity. Once you hands have been washed, the “grey” water fills the cistern, ready for the next flush, thus using the water twice!
And while you are thinking about these GREEN thoughts, try eliminating just once a week…a car trip, a plastic beverage container and turning off an electrical appliance from Stand-by mode.
Keep the momentum going, it is our children and grandchildren who will inherit our success or mess.
