Greenwashing

Whitewash is a type of thin, white paint Whitewash is a type of thin, white paint. The advantage of whitewash is that it is inexpensive and it makes a surface look clean. Today the term is used when people gloss over mistakes to keep from getting in trouble.

Greenwashing A variation of whitewashing. A claim about the positive effects on the environment that come from a product or organization. Was first used in the late 1980s. Often more money is used by a company to advertise their green actions than what they actually spend helping the environment. Many consumers are drawn to “Green” or environmentally friendly products. Without having to do anything, consumers can feel that they are making a difference when they buy “Green.”

By buying/using this product you will help the environment. Perceived reward: By buying/using this product you will help the environment.

How do I know if a food/product is really “natural” grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation No fake stuff, all products that are naturally made (come from the Earth, not from a lab) A 3rd party (not the company) certifies the product

water, alkyl polyglucoside, ethanol SDA-3C, glycerine, lemon essential oil, preservative (Kathon) and colorant (Milliken Liquitint Blue HP dye and Bright Yellow dye X);sodium lauryl sulfate, and lauramine oxide. (Kathon will biodegrade within 28 days).

BP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rklKyFMUME&feature=related

Mazda http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKKA3M-2sJc

Chevy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBXK4EE7Lg8&feature=player_embedded

Apple http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TubjfUFhecg&list=PL21EB5ABDE956F3D2

Walmart http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf65xUKRCuk

Greenwashing in a nutshell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLIbIdgrIaE

Now It’s Your Turn Create a made-up company that may have problems with being environmentally friendly. (For example: an oil company, a power company, a yacht building company, a pesticide company, etc.) Give the company a name. Make a greenwashing advertisement for it.