Who said it easy to be green?
Wasn't it Kermit the Frog? Didn't he sing, "It Isn't Easy Being Green" back in 1970? He was talking about his epidermis. These days were talking about being ecologically correct. Is it easy to be 'green'? Yep, it's very easy. All you need is certification. Get a stamp of approval and you can sell lots of stuff just because you're 'green'. Here is the scenario.
Americans are demanding 'green', ecologically sensitive products. There is a desire to help the environment. American companies are trying to make it as easy as possible to be green. There is a plethora of cleaners, food stuffs, furniture, you name it, there is a corresponding green product. The question then becomes simple, what does 'green' mean? That's where the certification comes in.
If a product has a fancy stamp on it saying passes all the requirements, how is anyone to know whether or not that is true? You can't. Too many of the certification companies are in it for the money. There is a market for certification and they are filling that need. There is little, if any, oversight. There is little, if any, guidelines. Remarkably there are over 300 companies specializing in 'certifying' something is green. One wag states it is so easy to be green, all you need is a product and a case of beer to have your buddy slap a stamp on it.
So if you are someone who is interested in doing your part, don't just accept any old 'certification'. Find trusted entities whose job is to give fair and valued information. It may making being green a little tougher, but you are not being hornswoggled. Take a quick click trip over to FRUGAL YANKEE'S GREEN RESOURCES for a list of legitimate green certifiers.
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From traditional tips to savvy perspectives, the Frugal Yankee knows how to enjoy life and spend less. Find out more by going to FrugalYankee.com. Be sure to check out Hollywood Breakdown in Gather's Movie Essential for some smart takes on the film business.
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Comments: 7
April H. 'greenwashing' is the perfect term.
Kathleen I love your frugal cleaner. These days I am using a mild vinegar and water solution. Works great on stainless steel, too.
You're so right, and it's important to try and stay ahead of things (if possible), at least as much as we can. We also use vinegar for windows and it works great - same bottle as well, for awhile now.
We also buy locally, as the farms are disappearing at a rapid rate, to our dismay.
Thank you for the friend-invite, from one frugal yankee to another.
Marilyn