Greenwashing

A term that basically means companies use the desire of consumers to be more green against them for profit.  In other words, they market products that aren't really green at all in such a way that people purchase them, thinking they are being more ecofriendly.  An egregious practice, in my opinion.

When I originally wrote this article, in 2009, there were much fewer green options available on the shelves.  Two I could readily find were Seventh Generation and Method.  Today there are MANY options for consumers - just make sure you do your homework!

Article:

With the recent campaign toward green living, many companies have decided to jump on board and make their own version of an environmentally-friendly cleaning product.

Clorox has come out with a line called Green Works, and SC Johnson developed its own "Greenlist" label to "certify" products it manufactures as green (although this is controversial as many argue that since the label does not come from an independent agency it is meaningless; in other words, SC Johnson can slap the label on any product it wants if it increases sales).

Consumer Power

As a consumer, whenever you make a purchase, you are supporting the company that manufactured that product. If the company is an environmentally-conscious one, then you are making an impact towards conservation. If, however, the company as a whole is not environmentally-friendly, then your purchase is a vote against conserving the environment.

Do Your Research

Assess your purchase – is the company a wolf in sheep's clothing? Just because a company develops one green product line as a business ploy to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers, it does not make them an environmentally-friendly company. Rather it could be interpreted as a scheming tactic to prey on consumers trying to spend responsibly.

If they really cared they would switch their company focus and make all of their products environmentally safe. The majority of these companies' profits come from their non-green lines, which are harming the environment. So by purchasing a product from their green line you are supporting a company that largely inflicts harm.

Support Companies Who Are Green Through-and-Through

Choose cleaning products manufactured by companies who pride themselves in sustaining environmental health. Two great ones are Seventh Generation, named after the Iroquois Confederacy's belief which states that we must consider the impact of our decisions seven generations from now, and Method. Seventh Generation can be purchased at Target, Walgreens and Kroger, to name a few. Similarly, one can find Method products at many locations, including Target; Bed, Bath and Beyond; Lowe's, and Publix. Not only are these companies environmentally responsible, but they do not test their products on animals either!

Seventh Generation's Products

• Laundry: Detergent, bleach, fabric softener


• Household Cleaners: All-purpose, glass, kitchen, bathroom, shower, carpet, toilet bowl


• Paper Supplies: Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, napkins, trash Bags


• Dishwashing: Soap, detergent, gel


• Feminine Care Products


• Baby: Diapers, wipes, training pants

Method's Products

• Laundry: Detergent, dryer sheets, fabric softener


• Household Cleaners: All-purpose, glass, bathroom, shower, toilet bowl, floor, granite, steel, wood


• Dishwashing: Soap, detergent


• Personal/Hand Care: Body bar, body wash, hand soap


• Baby: Bubble bath, shampoo, diaper creme, lotion


• Air Fresheners

The next time you purchase a cleaning product for your home, support an environmentally responsible company and feel good about your buy!