ATTN: Conscious Consumers
With climate change high on the global priority totem pole and the economic downturn taking its toll from big banks to our spare change, we must be ever more mindful of organizations who take advantage of that sweet spot unethically.
Before we go any further, it's important to note that many companies
are perfectly trustworthy, recognizing the power of being both
eco-conscious AND profitable. There is a long list of organizations
leading the way in finding that balance -- we look to them for
inspiration.
Some, however, with an increasingly competitive market, eroding margins and angry shareholders, may not always take the high road. Which is not to say they engage in outright malicious practices (though certainly some may) but rather they may find room for compromise, take advantage of loopholes, and be less than 100% forthright in their communications.
By now you've heard of "greenwashing" and "localwashing," which sit under the bigger umbrella of "ecowashing" as manufacturers compete for increasingly discerning dollars. Your discerning dollars. The same dollars you now delicately balance against your budget and your conscience. There's big business at this intersection, and companies know it. So what can you do to be more mindful of what you buy without doing hours and hours of intensive research?
Here are some shortcuts:
ONE: Study up on labels and certifications.
Did you know:- That "natural" beef is allowed to contain antibiotics and hormones?
- That the phrase "cruelty free" is not a certification and has no set standards?
- How about that "hypoallergenic" is meaningless marketing fluff?
TWO: Get a handy guide.
There are oceans of resources out there. These are just two to give you a starting point.
Great place to start for quick online research, from tips on the most toxic cosmetic chemicals to an in-depth look at the true cost of bottled water. A great information repository. Separately there are articles like this one: "Greenwashing: Avoiding Eco-Hype" to help you make decisions on controversial subjects such as the corporate practice of buying carbon offsets.
The Better World Shopping Guide
This handy dandy little guide will make your mindful shopping much easier.
• It'll conveniently list the "10 Best" and "10 Worst" companies for you as a starting point.
• It lists companies by category for easy look-up, from airlines to wine.
• It assigns a report card grade based on consistent criteria.
• It picks a "hero" and "villain" company for each category for quick reference.
• You will get additional research resources for each category if you should want to dig deeper.
• It provides and all-around quick guide to more effectively vote with your dollar.
THREE: And most importantly -- don't give up.
Yes, it's completely overwhelming to ensure that every last dime is spent on good causes and supports ethical organizations. And yes, we're all pressed for spare time and research isn't exactly recreation. But don't fall into the "all or nothing" trap. ANY improvement is better than turning a blind eye to it all.
You can start small, by picking some of your favorite conscious businesses and being loyal to them...even if you only buy from them occasionally. Additionally, you can bookmark sites that help give you the lowdown on CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and green news, such as:
Until next time, buy wisely... Ms. Garza publishes this information to help companies and non-profit organizations market more successfully. If you find it helpful, please share.
And if you would like to include this article on your blog as a guest post, we'd be honored. Please write to us here: info AT apexinsights DOT com.
