by Bob Mitchell
“We need to be Green”. “It’s the right thing to do.” “It’s the in thing.”
As marketers jump on the bandwagon, some will do it right and others….well, we have all seen an ad and said, “That’s bull.” So what’s a guy to do…or more directly, an advertiser?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) first published guidelines in 1992 but the issues of ’92 are not the issues of today. Witness Obama and McCain arguing Global Warming — not a topic addressed in ’92. The good news is the FTC will release updated guidelines in 2009. The bad news is that it’s the FTC and the government doesn’t always use “common speak.” The better news is that I just read a whitepaper from Goodwin Procter that is short and to the point; a shining “green” light in the darkness.
Marketers need to follow constantly evolving guidelines and laws regarding “Green Marketing Claims.” While the FTC originally issued guidelines in 1992, they are currently considering major revisions. These revisions come after acceptance of comments and a series of workshops on specific issues. Three key issues addressed are:
- Carbon offsets and renewable energy certificates
- Green packaging
- Green buildings and textiles
A white paper from Godwin Procter provides an excellent overview of the issues and suggests five strategic considerations for marketers making environmental claims:
- Carefully evaluate the potential environmental benefits of products and operations
- Seek certification from third parties
- Substantiate and document any environmental claims
- Make precise environmental claims
- Ensure that representations concerning the environmental impacts and benefits of the company’s products and operating practices are consistent
by Bob Huffman
With trace amounts of pharmaceuticals showing up in the drinking water of major cities, authorities are encouraging consumers around the Great Lakes to drop off leftover and expired medicine at collection centers.
The Environmental Protection Agency has set a goal of collecting 1 million pills and 1 million pounds of electronics during an Earth Day initiative aimed at the more than 30 million people who live around the Great Lakes, which are by far the largest source of fresh drinking water on the planet.
Read more…
by Laurel Turk
April 1st, 2008
Recent research appears to indicate that some products made with polycarbonate plastic could become dangerous over their lifespan. A chemical called bisphenol A or BPA, used to make most plastic baby bottles, many food and beverage containers, aluminum can linings and even some kinds of dental sealants, can leach into liquids and food to which it comes into contact. The leaching occurs over time as the plastic breaks down due to normal use, repeated heating and cooling, and being washed with harsh detergents. Although there have been no studies conducted on humans, scientists have linked very low doses of bisphenol A exposure to cancers and impaired immune and reproductive function in mice.
So what can you do to avoid coming into contact with BPA? Well the obvious and “greener” choice is to use less plastic or as little as possible. You can also avoid heating your leftovers in the plastic storage container and wash with a mild detergent in lukewarm water. Or if you are a concerned parent, switch your baby’s bottles to glass or a safer non-polycarbonate plastic.
by C. Commisso
That’s according to a report issued Monday by the American Public Health Association (APHA). The connection between the two is the focus of a new campaign the APHA is launching to combat the health effects of climate change.
“Few Americans are aware of the very real consequences of climate change on the health of our communities, our families and our children,” says APHA.
Read more…
