Several years ago, I remember reluctantly switching to a “no CFC” hairspray. I really liked my original brand, but also wanted to avoid contributing to the hole in the earth’s ozone layer.
Little did I know that the ozone-depleting chemicals in question—CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons—I thought I was steering clear of, had been banned from aerosol hairspray back in 1978!
Now that there are seemingly more green claims on products and services out there than ever before, like sustainable sheets, carbon-neutral flights and compostable water bottles, it’s only gotten harder to know which claims are actually true.
Help may be on the way. For the first time in more than ten years, the Federal Trade Commission, the government agency that helps prevent unfair or deceptive advertising, is considering toughening its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, or Green Guides, to keep marketers from making false green claims. Recently, Consumers Union weighed in with this advice.
Meanwhile, here are two tips on how to decode other common green claims:
Consult the Eco-labels Center. Uncover the meaning of more than 100 labels on food, cleaners, personal-care and other products in the GreenerChoices.org Eco-labels Center.
Get the facts from the Feds. The FTC has consumer advice on Sorting Out Green Advertising Claims.
Little did I know that the ozone-depleting chemicals in question—CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons—I thought I was steering clear of, had been banned from aerosol hairspray back in 1978!
Now that there are seemingly more green claims on products and services out there than ever before, like sustainable sheets, carbon-neutral flights and compostable water bottles, it’s only gotten harder to know which claims are actually true.
Help may be on the way. For the first time in more than ten years, the Federal Trade Commission, the government agency that helps prevent unfair or deceptive advertising, is considering toughening its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, or Green Guides, to keep marketers from making false green claims. Recently, Consumers Union weighed in with this advice.
Meanwhile, here are two tips on how to decode other common green claims:
Consult the Eco-labels Center. Uncover the meaning of more than 100 labels on food, cleaners, personal-care and other products in the GreenerChoices.org Eco-labels Center.
Get the facts from the Feds. The FTC has consumer advice on Sorting Out Green Advertising Claims.
Subscribe to ShopSmart today!
