Green Washing

As written on Vitamin Water labels, green is definitely the new black. It seems like every company in the marketplace is "going green" or adding some green product extensions.

I like to think of myself as somewhat environmentally conscious. I recycle, compost, and use environmentally friendly cleaning products, but I always feel guilty about not doing more. So if I see a product that I was going to buy now has a more environmentally friendly option, I will buy the environmentally friendly version. Every little bit helps right?

I read an article that put down a lot of companies for tricking consumers into believing they are green or socially responsible. Its a bit crude, but it does raise some valid points.

I was especially upset with the Huggies "Pure and Natural" green wash. When you look at the package, it seems very appealing. Organic cotton, hypoallergenic, soft green colours... great for those who aren't quite ready to use cloth diapers but feel bad about the environmental impact of disposable diapers. I looked at a few reviews of the product online, and everyone was extremely positive. They were glad to have a "natural" alternative, found it softer than other diapers and overall were happy to make a difference.

I think that these opinions would change if they realized that the only organic cotton used in the product is on the outside, so it doesn't even touch the baby's skin!

Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of green diaper options. This initiative probably wasn't very difficult for Huggies to develop, but they are receiving huge benefits because of it, which I don't think is right.

I just find the whole "green washing" movement very frustrating. Its 2011, I think Huggies can figure out how to make a completely "natural" diaper rather than just the appearance of one.

As environmental concerns increase, governments will (hopefully) increase laws and regulations around green products and what can be called organic. When that happens, I think that the brands who have previously benefited from these shortcuts will either be in a lot of trouble or will have to make real changes.