“Greenwashing” isn’t for your Business.

It seems the idea of being “green” is on many people’s minds these days and it’s tempting to align yourself with this image to attract customers. “Greenwashing” is a term used to describe businesses that pose as friends of the environment while still using social and environmentally destructive practices. The origins of the term come from “white washing”, as a way to cover up the truth.

While it may seem easy to use Greenwashing as a way to expand your client base, to differentiate yourself from your competitors, to attract staff, and find potential investors, I highly recommend you avoid falling into this trap. Sooner or later your actions would be revealed, and the consequences for your business would be dire. As you know, Monterey County is a small and well connected community.

These are some important tips to begin a real environmentally friendly campaign in your business.

1. Be transparent with your efforts; ask your clients for input and report on your actions.
2. Be specific with investors; if someone were to follow your money trail, where would it lead? ExxonMobil or the Solar Living Institute?
3. Spend your money on green products; office supplies, building materials, carbon offsets (purchasing “credits” to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions), and investments.
4. Avoid misleading language when talking of your products; “100% natural ingredients” can include hazardous substances…do the research so you know what you offer and then be sincere with your wording.

Remember going Green is a process, no one expects you to become completely Green overnight… begin an honest inventory of your life, your habits and your business practices to see where you can make small but significant changes. If you need help, call me.