NIE

11/29/2009

What does Green really mean?

With more people concerned about the environment these days, lots of companies have been greenwashing their products and services to make them more attractive to those shoppers. Greenwashing is defined as misleading marketing about the environmental benefits of a product.

■Class discussion: What does Green really mean to you? Are you skeptical when you hear products touted as "chemical-free" (water is a chemical), "non-toxic," "all-natural," or "energy-efficient?" Can you find some examples of this kind of marketing? Which ads seem dubious, which seem genuine? Should these claims be considered red flags rather than responsible choices?