Don't be Brainwashed by the Greenwash!
Green-washing is a form of spin in which green PR or green marketing is deceptively used to promote a company's products or services as environmentally friendly when in fact they are not.
The amount of corporate green-washing that occurs these days is absurd considering how easy it is to actually start implementing sustainable practices and go green. The green tick of approval on corporate practices that are not so green continues to fool people who want to support companies that are making environmentally sustainable choices.
Green claims have skyrocketed and consumers are demanding better evidence for these claims. In Australia, the Trade Practices Act (1974) prohibits companies from making misleading and deceptive claims, green or otherwise. However, many examples of 'greenwash' may not breach the Trade Practices Act, which makes it difficult.
The emergence of Environmental Standards and Certifications is helping to eradicate this 'green-wash' by identifying businesses that are actually making a difference to the environment. At GreenBizCheck our certifications require businesses to take a stringent assessment covering all facets of their business. They are provided with an in-depth report containing a wide range of practical actions that must be reached before they obtain any level of certification.
Environmental Certifications are aimed at helping consumers verify products or services as environmentally friendly. GreenBizCheck's certification has been heavily researched and comprises the latest European and Asian environmental best practice standards.
We want to diminish the Green-wash and help businesses actually reduce their strain on the environment. Our aim is to provide a reputable green stamp of approval to help consumers identify environmentally friendly business and give them the credit they deserve.
By Zoey Jurss, GreenBizCheck
