Beware of "Greenwashing"

Allison Arieff of The New York Times looks at the oxymoronic nature of “sustainable brands,” pointing out the recent identically-named conference in California, referred to as “SB08.” Companies that would probably never have set foot in such a conference five years ago—Clorox, Hewlett Packard, General Electric—were not only present, but presented talks on greener consumer decisions.
 
But, these companies are not doing their environmental part just because it’s ethical or good-hearted, but because going green is the new market and there are profits to be had. Some of the products shown at the conference still have a hippie slant to them; for example, one presenter wore rugged Keen shoes that didn’t match her outfit, but no matter, they are green! Nonetheless, it is  progress to see companies fearlessly emerge on green turf.
 
The other green factor to look out for is “greenwashing”: products spun in such a way that they seem eco-friendly, but in reality, are anything but. If buying that new “green” car sounds too good to be true, maybe it’s time to do your own research.

Are there green products out there you trust? [The New York Times]