sustainability. starting a new conversation.

our industry is full of creative people running creative creative businesses, producing some very products. to think creatively for the future, and it’s time to update our language. defines sustainable as:

Eco-friendly Sustainable Environmentally friendly. The whole world started using these terms, and we all adopted them.

But what do they really mean, and are they appropriate?

It defines eco-friendly as https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/eco-friendly not harmful to the environment, or trying to help the environment

The ACCC states:

‘Green’, ‘environmentally friendly’, ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘environmentally safe’ https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/publications/your-consumer-rights-environmental-claims

Businesses should clearly and accurately explain why their products are ‘greener’, or more environmentally ‘safe’ or ‘friendly’ than other similar products.

If no other information is provided to support such claims, they should not be relied upon and could, in some circumstances, be considered misleading.

The need to be aware of compliance obligations is becoming more important as consumers are becoming increasingly conscientious around climate change and sustainability. Environmental considerations will often directly impact purchasing decisions.

One of the ACCC’s enforcement and compliance top priorities for 2023-24 is:

‘Consumer, product safety, fair trading and competition concerns in relation to environmental claims and sustainability.’ https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/accc-priorities/compliance-and-enforcement-policy-and-priorities#toc-this-year-s-priorities what we can do.

Using “green” credentials as a marketing tool is entirely legitimate, providing the credentials are genuine, and can be shown to be so.

Definitions

and examples for recyclable biodegradable compostable carbon neutral fair trade etc.