Tips for Avoiding Greenwashing (where do I even start?)-

I've been thinking of writing about greenwashing since I began this blog last October. Now that being green is in fashion, businesses and corporations are all scrambling to show off the ways that they are green, even when many times it is all smoke and mirrors. I haven't written about it yet, because it is such a huge topic, and I haven't been sure where to start.

Then I was prowling around over at the Parents for Ethical Marketing website and blog. They are always keeping a watchful eye on corporations and businesses and how they are aggressively marketing to your children. I found a link there to a series of funny and informative video clips called "Greenwash of the Week" from the Forest Action Network.

Each week a pair of environmentalists take on some corporation or business that is claiming to be green, and explain why it simply isn't true.

Such as, did you know that Matell actually introduced a product line of accessories for Barbie that is supposed to be green? It is called, B-cause. Cute, huh? Watch this team us why Matell's B-Cause is so offensive and the claim of greeness so untrue.

I written here before about the problem with labeling personal care products as natural and organic, when in fact both are questionable. It seems companies can put anything they want on a bottle of cream, or cleaner and make almost any claim as fact. Many children's creams and lotions have organic ingredients (like some I recommend in the Non-Toxic Kids store), but are not certified organic. I recommend these because they have a good rating in the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database, and they have worked well for our family. But it is very confusing as a customer, with dizzying amounts of greenwashing taking place on store shelves.

I found this link to a story on Today that ran about greenwashing. Not too much new information, though, but it is good to hear the FTC is working on new guidelines to help green consumers make sense of all those labels. Bring it on! We need it now.

So, sleep deprived and list liking parents: Here are the Non-Toxic Kids tips for avoiding the greenwashing trap.

1. Look for products with the labels such as Certified Organic, Energy Star, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), and Green Seal Certified. These labels are meaningful unlike "100% Natural!") and may be better choices.

2. Do your homework! Research your products online. Use Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database for personal care products.

3. Research your companies. I've been on California Baby's website, and I like their mission, philosophy and products.

4. Read, read, read the labels. Look for ingredients that you can't pronounce, and research them. Also look at the packaging. Is there too much plastic? Is it recyclable?

5. More ideas-- here is a story from the Washington Post about Greenwashing, and this from the Toronto Star (notice the Six Sins of Greenwashing from Terrachoice).

May you not be greenwashed, and may we have some clearer labels and guidelines very soon. In the meantime, be sure to watch FAN's "Greenwash of the Week", well, every week.