The Battle Against "Green-Washing" Is On

(Love Bronners. They are trying to bring awareness to "green-washing")

Oooohhh. I wish they wouldn't call it a battle. Might be more effective otherwise. This shouldn't come as a surprise since we are seeing this in food- from fresh veggies to packaged stuff as well. Just do your due diligence. It's good to be aware.

Straight to the Source: Style.com

Going green is hot, and everyone wants in on the action—from large corporations to smaller niche brands. But the rush to release soaps, shampoos, skincare, and makeup with “natural” or “organic” on their labels is causing a quality-control issue. Or so say certain pioneers of the green movement, who have filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) against 13 personal care companies they allege have made false claims on their products. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Intelligent Nutrients, Organic Essence, and the Organic Consumers Association have called out Jason Pure Natural and Organic, Kiss My Face, Nature’s Gate Organics, and Stella McCartney’s Care line (which was discontinued in 2008), among others, for claiming that their products are organic without actually using any organic ingredients. What does this mean for you and me? Some argue that stricter regulations from the government would stifle innovation in the organic personal care category; others say that without them, it will become increasingly harder for consumers—and legitimate operations—to seek greener pastures. If anything, take this as a call to action to be more diligent about reading the labels on the back of your favorite products since, unfortunately, you can’t believe everything they say on the front. For more information on how to decode all the jargon, visit the Environmental Working Group and Labels for Life. [WWD]