Green is all the rave these days and everywhere we turn we are being told how to save the earth and improve our impact on the environment. But how do we know the claims made by these product manufacturers are true? There has been so many unverifiable claims made by companies that they have come up with name for it, it’s called “green-washing”. Wikipedia defines greenwashing as a term used to describe the practice of companies disingenuously spinning their products and policies as environmentally friendly, such as by presenting cost cuts as reductions in use of resources. It is a deceptive use of green PR or green marketing.
Even if they’re claims are true, are they enough? The green standard is not so standard and depends on the third-party agency certifying the product. Many green products contain chemicals that when manufactured continue to pollute our environment. Most green products contain fragrances made from petrochemicals which not only contribute to environmental pollution but also the indoor pollution of our homes and workplaces. These fragrances have been linked to asthma, respiratory disorders, may cause cancer, birth defects and central nervous system disorders.
Manufacturers of household products, skin care products, medicines, etc. have been using chemicals that mimic ingredients found in nature for years – why? Why not use those natural ingredients for their medicinal, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, healing, hydrating properties they possess? Instead we use man-made chemicals that pollute our homes, our environment in order to allow companies to own a formulation and protect it from being copied? Who’s protecting nature’s formulas?
