From a consumer perspective, green is the new black. Companies are jumping on the green bandwagon in an effort to appear more environmentally friendly and in many cases, those behind marketing claims are making an effort to minimize their impact on the environment. However, in other cases, it's just a marketing gimmick to get consumers in the door. In skin care, the issue becomes even more blurred, and there are many companies that take advantage of the lack of clarity in the industry. In the industry, Greenwashing skincare can occur in a number of ways.
1 With a single environmental claim suggesting that a product is greener than it really is, for example. A shampoo claims to contain any Sodium Laurel Sulphate (SLS), but using alternative blowing agents such as ammonium sulfate laurel, which have the same risks associated with their use.
2 With no proof - for example, personal care products that say they are "fair trade" without any certification or evidence. While the Certification May not necessarily be on the table, at the request of the manufacturer or supplier must receive evidence Fairtrade status.
Three blurs - the use of terms such as "green" or "natural" without outlining what that means. Australia has not established guidelines here, so there's a lot of confusion as to what is considered "natural skin care". Again if in doubt, ask the manufacturer or supplier what their guidelines are are to make a label claim evermine "natural".
4 Make "green" claims are irrelevant. The statement may be true, but it is also important, for example, shaving CFC. Given that the use of CFC (chlorofluorocarbons) is prohibited for some time, this is considered irrelevant claims.
5. Winner was lying about a "green" claim, for example. A product that claims to be "certified organic" when no such certification. In many cases, the demand is not so obvious. For example. Some well-known company offers " truly organic experience 'but also uses SLS, propylene glycol and D & C red dyes in its products that are not organic. This does not mean that the product does not include some of the organic ingredients, but for the consumer, the assumption is that the product is truly organic.
As a consumer, how do they work their way through the fog of a marketing greenwash? First, read the labels and ingredient evermine complete list of products you choose to determine the products of the full penalty. If you are not sure about an ingredient, ask the supplier or vendor. Once you know you can make an informed decision about the products you use.
Secondly seek certification tests. In Australia, unlike "natural" state we have strict guidelines on the state of "organic." If a product claims to be "certified organic" ensure appropriate certification logo on the label evermine eg products bearing the emblem of Australian Certified Organic (ACO) or the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA).
Many manufacturers of skin care claim that a product is organic or natural, without certification, but they want to know that the claim is made with integrity. For example, a manufacturer including water to claim a product is 99% organic, when in fact it is a misleading statement. Water does not contribute to the organic status of the product of skin care and therefore should not be included in the statement of the percentage. If a product claims to be organic, unlike organic certification, ask the supplier or manufacture what this means.
Green Marketing is a powerful communication tool for buyers and sellers. More and more consumers expect to see evidence of a commitment to the environment and green manufacturers dollar spending is increasing; as a result. If a product is not green, natural or organic, that's fine, but the truth in advertising is critical to the continued growth of the green industry. Without it, consumer cynicism and apathy creep in, and we will lose the ability to not only greener products, but also to a greener earth.
Green is not the only color that is abused at the hands of marketing companies. The list of pink ribbon products that promote awareness of breast cancer grows each year, including skin care, teddy bears, electrical appliances and the list goes on, with many companies filed with the pink ribbon on an attempt to raise their profile through association with a good cause. However, the action group against breast cancer urges people to "think before you pink". This group asks consumers to ask critical questions before buying based on the condition of the pink ribbon.
The first question is how much of the purchase goes toward breast cancer? If the amount is minimal, and you are concerned about breast cancer, ask yourself if you would be better to donate money directly to your local group or national breast cancer.
Is there a maximum amount the company actually donate? Presumably that buying pink ribbon products after they have reached this amount will not be donated and what can not be supporting breast cancer after all.
What breast cancer organization does the money go to and is one that you support yourself? If not, again perhaps a direct donation is preferable. If you want to make sure that the money you give is reaching the people who need it most, take a moment to find out where the money really goes and if the organization is actually already well funded or not.
Finally, the company you can make sure the product still promoting the pink ribbon does not actually contribute to the epidemic of breast cancer. This skin care is a critical consideration, as there is growing research that some of the chemical ingredients in products may increase the risk of developing cancer. Examples include parabens and phthalates that recent studies indicate that they may be linked to cancer development. Others include formaldehyde, coal tar and talk. It is not enough that the cosmetic companies that say they will not be absorbed because we know they are with recent research showing evidence of parabens in the tissue of human breast cancer (Darbre et al., 2004).
Arguments claiming that the amounts of harmful chemicals found in skin care are so small that they will not have not washed well effect. In groups such as children and growing adolescents, even tiny amounts can have serious consequences. In addition, most women use many personal care items every day to be prepared by adding to the accumulation of chemicals accumulate in our bodies.
This gives pause for serious reflection on the possibility to buy some products "Pink Ribbon", particularly in the case of skin care, where risk is not only that the money may be misguided, but rather that the product itself may be the problem.
