Greenwashing

[4ScienceYouMonster]

Recently the public opinion has started to become more sensitive to the subject of global warming and depletion of the planet’s resources. In particular, over the past months the younger generations have been guided by the example of 16-year-old Greta Thunberg to speak up for themselves and their future. Many people felt inspired to take steps towards a sustainable lifestyle, which is for sure a positive effect.

On a much less positive side, companies realised this trend and tried to get their profit over it. Actual measures to reduce environmental impact can be advantageous over the long run but at least at first the changes require money and efforts. Whole production chains have to be reorganised, new technologies need to be implemented, cheap materials substituted with less polluting but more expensive alternatives. Going green on the façade, while only applying minimal alterations? Much more profitable, without the fuss.

It’s called “greenwashing”: products are marketed as “green” and “eco-friendly”, and not rarely sold at a higher price, but in the end the green is only in the label. Examples range from fast-fashion’s “conscious collections” containing a percentage of recycled fabric, while the whole production chain remains unsustainable, to multinational coffee companies claiming they eliminated plastic straws by introducing a new cup lid… containing more plastic than the traditional lid & straw combination.

As always, the best advice is to keep your eyes open, and choose to buy intentionally instead of being lured by vague advertisements. The environment will be cleaner, and your bank account a bit fuller.

[rikemich823]

This is a very important topic that doesn't get discussed enough, and one I have personal experience with.  I'm a dog owner, and we do our best to seek out biodegradable bags and other things for our pooch.  Unfortunately, companies have begun selling green colored bags they present as biodegradable, but in fact don't meet the standards in California. All they do is break down into microplastics, which of course are terrible for the environment