5 Ways to Avoid Greenwash

1. Read The Label!

The first line of defence, though surprisingly not always as dependable as you'd hope. Be aware that not all the ingredients may be listed in all countries.

However, often there is enough information on the bottle to give you an idea.

Don't rely on your senses to tell you a product is truly environmentally friendly! In other words, don't judge a book by it's cover. There's a lot of products sporting fresh new "green" looks. The only way to really know is to read and be aware of the companies practices (more on that later). There may be one single, certified Fair Trade and Organic ingredient in that shampoo bottle, but it doesn't mean the rest of the ingredients are.

Use your better judgement and common sense.

2. Be Aware of Deliberately Vague Phrasing

Beware of words. Organic. Clean. Green. Herbal. Natural. Eco.

These are dropped all of the time by companies that greenwash products. They are non-specific terms, and while they are misleading, they aren't generally illegal.

Some countries have some legislation on this, and some of the big guys, such as auto companies can get in trouble for using these words.

It's still a tactic used ALL the time. Especially in the cosmetics world.

Misleading consumers by using these words is much like lying by simply not telling the whole truth... It's still lying.

3. Learn About Companies' Other Products and Services

Some bad companies put out good products. They use these products as flagships to market themselves as environmentally responsible, while still making the majority of their profits from their arsenal of non-green products. It saves them money, effort and risk factor, by not having to change their company all that much. So they get the "greenies" and still continue on with their ways. A win-win for them.

We live in a time where there is increasing pressure from consumers on companies to be sustainable. Good. Put more pressure on. Don't buy it unless the WHOLE of the company is responsible.

4. Educate Yourself

What makes a good 'green' product, good?

The internet is a fantastic resource (hey, you made it to this blog didn't you?) Learn about products and their ingredients. Petrochemicals, parabens, surfactants, phosphates. These things are easier to avoid if you know what they are and what they are found in.

Check out the Safe Cosmetics Database. They have some great information on what's in the products you put on your body everyday.

Another excellent site that raises awareness about what it is that we are buying, is The Story of Stuff Project. It's entertaining and educational. No, really. They're great videos.

The more you know, the better. And the best person to teach you is YOU.

5. Report Them!

Spread the word and protect others. Don't underestimate the power of the consumer and word of mouth.

There are some great websites out there dedicated to stopping greenwashing. Some let you post or view advertisements and rate how greenwashed you think they are, and why. Others just bring some awareness to the table and offer suggestions for what you can do, such as writing your local government, or the companies themselves, and expressing your concerns.

An awesome one is Greenpeace's stopgreenwash.org

They deal mostly with the greenwashing practices of the big guys. Oil, Auto, Electricity, Coal, Nuclear, and Forestry.