People with chronic health issues are already at higher risk for scammers. “Greenwashing” is yet one more opportunity for someone to make money over those who have little to spare. While you may not be familiar with this term, you’ll certainly recognize the array of products that indicate they are environmentally friendly because of their use of the words "all-natural," "botanicals," or "eco-friendly." Unfortunately, such phrases can be misleading, as "green" marketing isn’t regulated. Companies can make untruthful or misleading claims. This is what is known as "greenwashing."
The advertisers realize that people want to do the right thing, so they are only too happy to charge higher prices for a product that is advertised as being good for you and the environment when in fact, that’s not the case.
Those with chronic conditions are the most likely to be adversely affected by climate change. Many with asthma and lung conditions are having a hard time this summer due to the wild fires. Consequently, the more we can do to make choices that help to create a sustainable world, the better off we’ll all be.
With that in mind, today’s post has been designed to help make the healthier and sustainable choice, the easier choice.
Before spending money on a new product, remember the Yankee adage- “Use it up, wear it out. Make it do or do without”- and ask yourself four questions:
• Is it a want or a need?
• Can I make it myself? E.g. It’s a lot cheaper and healthier to use baking soda and vinegar to clean your house.
• Can I borrow it?
• Can I buy it used?
Do your homework:
• Research companies: Are they actually functioning as advertised?
• Third party certification: One of the most reliable ways to judge a company’s eco-friendliness is to see how it’s been judged by reputable third-party organizations. Check their website or the label of the product itself for green certifications.
- Energy Star (for energy efficiency)
- USDA Organic Seal (for organic products)
- Forest Stewardship Council (for products made from trees in responsibly managed forests)
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Green Seal (for general sustainability).
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Ethical
Fashion Certifications
• Check out the words being used in advertisements. Words like eco-friendly, green, all-natural, earth-friendly, non-toxic, plant-based, plant-derived, pure, raw, healthy, organic (without certification) can be completely meaningless.
• Use the Environmental Working Group Guides
- Skin Deep: Personal Care Products
- Dirty Dozen 2021 Guide to Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce
• Other Product Health Guides
- Healthy Stuff Product Search
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Consumer
Reports’ Guide to Food Labels
• Cleaning products: These can be particularly concerning for those with asthma, and many other chronic conditions. Such products can contain chemicals that can cause reactions. Green clean using known products such as hydrogen peroxide (for sanitizing, stain removal and bleaching), tea tree oil and water (for mold removal and as a disinfectant), white vinegar (for cleaning glass, counters and tile), and baking soda (for toilets, bathtubs and sinks). These common household items work just as well as the high-end green cleaning products, if not better.
• Truth in Advertising published a list of products/Companies on Earth Day 2021 that consumers should be mindful of. These include Simple Green, Krud Kutter and Method cleaning products, which contain ingredients harmful to people, pets and the environment
• Consider the packaging: If it comes in a lot of plastic that can’t be recycled, it’s a problem. Keep in mind that only a small percentage of items that are labeled recycled actually are.
• Fashion Sustainability: The clothing industry is one of the worst offenders. For starters, wear clothes for as long as possible. Get tired of them? Host a clothes swap with friends that are sick of their clothes. Shop thrift stores. If clothes no longer fit, donate to a food shelter, thrift store or a recycling center that recycles clothes. Avoid the landfill whenever possible. Some clothing brands to check out
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The10 Best Eco-Friendly Clothing Brands of 2021
- Fair Trade and Ethical Clothing Brands
- 11 Best Affordable Brands for Ethical Fashion on a Budget
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41
Most Ethical and Sustainable Clothing Brands from the USA and Canada
• When in doubt Google: You’ll see all sorts of products pushed on social media as being “green.” However, search for independent reviews to determine if in fact they are as advertised.
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