My my last blog post, we discussion how to determine if a company is really green or greenwashing. If you missed it, scroll down below this post. Here are the remainder of my tips to determine this:
-Determine environmental track record
Many companies have had environmental issues or human rights violations that they may not want the public to know about. Check for info on watchdog groups and in the media and compare it to what they disclose – Green America. In sustainability transparency is everything.
-Ask for proof to back up claims (monitoring data, reviews, audits)
Companies may talk about commitment to transparency and prove info to stakeholders, but you need to check this on your own. Check their reports and where they refer to their monitoring data, reviews, audits.
-How do they handle their critics?
Some companies do go to great lengths to silence their critics. Make sure you know where your company and clients stand.
-Consistency in environmental launches and messages
Consistency needs to be tested both in US and Internationally if they operate in other countries. Make sure they do not opt for lower standards. Also, make sure that empty promises are not made under public pressure or that a new environmental launch isn’t starved of funds (are they talking about taking action to tackle climate change, yet withdrawing investments from renewable energy supplies?) – it’s a dead giveway how they feel about it overall.
Colette Chandler
Helping You Understand and Profit from Consumer Health and Green Trends
