It has been reported (http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/mar/23/greenwash-advertising) that a Commons Committee is recommending help to protect 'shoppers' from 'greenwash' (the claiming or implying of exaggerated environmental benefits by companies or agencies as in the Shell advert showing flowers emanating from industrial chimneys). They advocate a new independently-monitored labelling scheme and greater powers for the Advertising Standards Agency and local Trading Standards officers to take erring companies to task. They also favour a requirement for motor manufacturers to have to display EU vehicle performance information. All this may help but we already know that advertisers can be quite ingenious about 'selling' their ideas. There is probably no substitute for people finding out more for themselves about products and being initially cynical about any 'green' claims. If it sounds too good, it probably is too good (to be true).
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Monday, 23 March 2009
A Black Mark for Greenwash?
It has been reported (http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/mar/23/greenwash-advertising) that a Commons Committee is recommending help to protect 'shoppers' from 'greenwash' (the claiming or implying of exaggerated environmental benefits by companies or agencies as in the Shell advert showing flowers emanating from industrial chimneys). They advocate a new independently-monitored labelling scheme and greater powers for the Advertising Standards Agency and local Trading Standards officers to take erring companies to task. They also favour a requirement for motor manufacturers to have to display EU vehicle performance information. All this may help but we already know that advertisers can be quite ingenious about 'selling' their ideas. There is probably no substitute for people finding out more for themselves about products and being initially cynical about any 'green' claims. If it sounds too good, it probably is too good (to be true).
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