Greenwashing Vs. Green
Greenwashing also effects health and safety, in the home, in the workplace and any other place where people gather. Allergies have risen over 600% since the 1980s, (per Canadian Heart & Lung Association, and Canada Health). Remember the panic of formaldehyde insulation, it was considered an allergen, since that time it has been discovered to be a carcinogen.
Greenwashing is a marketing ploy; it is also a major force behind the growing number of environmental lawyers, and litigation. Greenwashing is mis-direction, it's misleading and in many cases it is just simply false advertising, in so many ways. For example, a 3 liter bottle of bleach has become 'environmental' or 'green' by becoming a 5 liter bottle of bleach, all that changed was the amount of water, this process is called 'dumbing down'.
Green or Authentic Green manufacturers are very willing to show you the product 'chain of ownership' and verification literature, for example FSC (Forest Stewardship Council's) certification for wood/lumber products and paper products, and answer your questions.
Many Green or Authentic Green products are a little more expensive to buy (usually about 5-10%) because of certification, or are re-cycled, re-manufactured, re-claimed, or the processing of the product needed to be changed, but they are better for indoor health, not to mention it adds value if you are selling your home sometime in the future. For businesses that use products manufactured by other companies, indoor air quality improves employee health, increases production, reduces absenteeism due to illness, reduces WSIB or other insurance claims, etc.
I do not buy into the latest, newest, improved, phenomenal, deluxe, new, best, uber, super, or green, environmental 'whatever'. Before I buy anything of importance I always ask "Okay, now I know what you are selling, what do I need to know, that you haven't already told me, for me to make an informed decision?" Let's face it; nothing is ever as good as advertised. The US drug commercials now tell you the benefits of taking their medications, AND they also tell you the side effects.
Check promises before making a purchase, especially when it comes to 'green'. There are web sites available to check product claims, there are also web sites to check on the manufacturers or distributors reputation. You'd be surprised how many of the big manufacturing companies play on words, and that is what marketing is, generally, a play on words, they don't actually lie, they are using another accepted or commonly used definition to the same word or phrase.
There are true Environmental, Green and healthier products available for the homeowner and business owner when renovating, upgrading and decorating the great indoors.
Christine Gilmet
Increase – Home and Business Green Consulting Services
647-869-1810
info@increase-ideas.com
www.increase-ideas.com
