How to Avoid Greenwashing

How to Avoid

"Greenwashing" is a common marketing ploy designed to make products seem more sustainable than they are. It's essentially a way to convince customers that a company is making positive environmental choices, often through eco-conscious terms designed to convince shoppers that the product is more natural, wholesome, or free of toxins than competitors.The term was first coined in the 1980s in an essay by environmentalist Jay Westerveld. In this essay, he criticized the hotel industry's "save your towel" movement for preying on guests' environmental sensibilities. While this movement was disguised as a way for guests to help hotels conserve water and save the planet, it essentially only cut down on laundry labor expenses for the hotel and made a minimal difference in water usage.

"Going green" sells. Companies are capitalizing on the movement by advertising as many eco-benefits for their products as possible, even when these claims get stretched beyond the point of believability. A 2015 Nielson poll found that two-thirds of shoppers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly goods and that half consider a product's sustainability before deciding whether to purchase. By understanding greenwashing and learning to identify its signs, we can hold companies accountable and ensure those doing right by the planet stand out for their choices. This will bring the entire marketplace

Greenwashing

by Margaret DeStefano

to a higher standard and help us all make better buying choices. There are a few signs to watch for when learning how you can avoid greenwashing. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, some of the best ways to identify green marketing over greenwashing include the following: 1) Look for packaging that explains a product's positive environmental impact in plain language without using hype phrases. 2) The marketing claims should be clear on whether they refer to the packaging, the product itself, or a portion of either. 3) The marketing language doesn't overstate or imply a more significant environmental benefit than it could deliver. 4) When the product compares itself to another brand, it shows evidence to substantiate it. 5) Seek out products with trusted third-party certifications, such as USDA certified organic, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and Carbon Trust Standard for verified CO2 emissions.

Greenwashing may sound harmless, but it's not. It confuses consumers and distracts from actual eco-friendly products. Additionally, it spreads false information about what it takes to be sustainable and may convince well-meaning customers to make bad choices. The goal should be to enact marketing regulations that ban common greenwashing practices, thereby requiring companies to better substantiate any eco-friendly claims. "Green" should be a way of life, not a fad to sell products.

SLO Veg...fresh healthy gifts

Show you truly care by giving the gift of fresh local produce from SLO Veg! It’s a gift full of love and fresh farm goodness. As a family owned and operated produce delivery service on the Central Coast, it is SLO Veg’s mission to both serve the community as well as support local farmers. Delight yourself or a loved one with a harvest box full of seasonal fruits and vegetables harvested daily by our local farmer friends and delivered to your doorstep within 24 hours of harvesting! In addition to home delivery, SLO Veg offers pick-up locations from Paso Robles to Nipomo.

Each week, SLO Veg curates fresh, local fruits & veggies that are packed up and delivered to your doorstep or pick-up location. SLO Veg's customizable harvest boxes are the perfect gift and come in a variety of sizes and options. Plus, everything SLO Veg delivers is sourced from local growers in the greater Central Coast region. When it comes to taste there’s no comparison. SLO Veg’s produce tastes better because it is picked at peak ripeness. And it’s better for you, packed with essential nutrients. The Earth will thank you, too. Buying from local farmers produces a much smaller carbon footprint.

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Bartimaeus Alan, Co-Owner of SLO Veg

every Drop in the

Bucket counts!

by Margaret DeStefano

When you think about climate change on a global scale, it’s easy to feel like your personal habits are insignificant. But every small step counts! Water is a far more valuable resource than most people realize. Although water covers approximately 70% of our planet, only 1.2% of it is drinkable. Being smart with water usage is essential to keeping water pure and readily available while also protecting the planet. Here are a few tips to help curb water usage:

1) Install low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets. 2) Turn off the faucet while washing your face or brushing your teeth. 3) Fix leaks as soon as possible. 4) Consider alternatives to grass lawns. 5) Keep tabs on your water usage and consider a home water audit. 6) Put a bucket in the shower to catch grey-water and reuse it for other purposes. Collectively, our actions can and do make a difference!

Learn Astrology...

Meeting Every 1st Wednesday of the Month 6:00-7:30pm GALA Center, located at 1060 Palm St., San Luis Obispo Newcomers Welcomed! sloastrologers@aol.com

Winter Treat

no sugar crock pot applesauce

Recipe: 10 apples, cored and sliced (without peels) / 1 tbsp cinnamon / ¾ cup apple juice, / ½ tsp sea salt (organic ingredients recommended). Pour apples and apple juice into the base of a slow cooker. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt over apples.

Stir. Set slow cooker on high, and cook for about four-five hours. Stir occasionally. Mashing may be required and can be done with a fork or potato masher.

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