 |  Environmental Science: A Global Concern, 7/e William P. Cunningham,
University of Minnesota
Mary Ann Cunningham,
Vassar College
Barbara Woodworth Saigo,
St. Cloud State University
What Then Shall We Do?
Be Alert BoxesBE ALERT FOR: Misleading Claims
The expanding public interest in buying green is a true bright spot in the effort to preserve a livable environment. The purchasing decisions of millions of people have played a major role in creating our environmental problems. They most certainly will have a major impact in turning things around.
In order for this to work for both consumers and the environment, consumers need to be able to make valid distinctions among product choices. Unfortunately, to exploit this green trend, some advertisers are using words that make products sound more environmentally friendly than they actually are. Because the words have no standard meanings, claims of nontoxic, natural, organic, and others may signify nothing at all. Be sure to see why as you work through the green consumerism section.
In order to provide consumers with a sound basis for judgment, a number of product endorsement programs have arisen. Green Seal in the United States, Blue Angel in Germany, and Environmental Choice in Canada evaluate products, and if a product is environmentally sound, the manufacturers may use the seal of approval in product advertising.
It takes a long time to get an environmental endorsement program going because of the complexity in judging product merit. A truly effective program must look deeper into the product than its final state. How much pollution was created in its manufacture? How much energy was used? Was it made from recycled materials? How much toxic waste was produced to make it? Is it reusable? Recyclable?
Obtaining valid answers to all these questions takes both time and money. Note the comments your text makes about cloth versus disposable diapers and paper versus plastic bags. You will see what I mean.
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2003 McGraw-Hill Higher Education