Greenwash - curses and solutions

Thursday, 21 August 2008 21:42

 

“Greenwash needs to be eradicated because what we buy today has consequences for the environment and what we leave future generations.  It’s not just about a short term purchasing contract between producer and consumer,” said Jeff Angel, Director of the Centre.

TEC’s Green Capital program today released, ‘The End of Greenwash – how to unlock the consumer potential for sustainability ’ and ‘The Green Cred Checklist ’ at a major debate between environmental and consumer representatives, brand owners and advertisers.

“We are supporting a three pronged approach:

• vigorous Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) action including protection of ‘core’ words like ‘green’ and ‘environment friendly’ from misrepresentation;
• a strong advertising industry code; and  
• upskilling of the marketers and advertisers to recognise greenwash and stop it at source.”

“We don’t want to scare producers from developing green products and advertisers telling people about their benefits.  We want producers to regain credibility, and advertisers to help make green products the normal purchase for people.”

“TEC will continue to use all three approaches – making complaints to the ACCC where necessary; helping the industry to get an effective code and providing advice on how to avoid greenwash.  Our Green Cred Checklist is part of that process,” said Mr Angel.