Top Greenwashers Busted

by Mike Lieberman

Barbie

   In 2008, the Barbie BCause was introduced as a green collection of Barbie accessories because they were made from recycled Barbie accessories. The dolls were still made out of plastic and came wrapped in even more plastic.

BP

   They touted their green initiative of using cleaner and renewable fuels as "Beyond Petroleum." It turned out that they were spending more on the advertising campaign than on their efforts.

Dow

   The chemical company giant that produces some of the most toxic chemicals in the world and is one of the corporations responsible for Agent Orange sponsored Dow Live Earth Run for Water in 2010. It was dubbed as the, "…largest solutions-based initiative aimed at solving the global water crisis in history."

Fiji Water

   Fiji touts their green progress through recycling and buying carbon offsets. While it’s a step in the right direction, Fiji water is not for the eco-conscious consumer. The last time we checked, their production plant

ran on diesel fuel 24 hours a day. Worse than that, their plastic bottles are shipped from China to Fiji before they are filled and shipped around the world. For more on Fiji and other bottled water companies, read Bottled Water vs. Tap Water.

Monsanto

   The largest seed and agriculture company in the world wants to convince people they are supporters of sustainable agriculture with their genetically modified seeds and RoundUp pesticide. They really just want to control the world's food supply.

Sara Lee

   This well established food company touted their "Eco-Grain" as more sustainable than organically grown grains. The reality is that the farmers of Eco-Grain use 15% fewer fertilizers than traditional grain farmers.

Simple Green

   Based on the name alone, you'd think that Simple Green was a green product. Not so much. It contains 2-Butoxyethanol, a chemical known to cause birth defects, fertility issues, nose and eye irritation, headaches, and vomiting.

Wal-Mart

   The giant superstore that has had many human and employment rights issues over the years started their Sustainability Index in 2009. They wanted to hold their suppliers to higher standards than they themselves were achieving.

Check out Mike Lieberman’s websites where he documents what he's doing to live a sustainable lifestyle. In Urban Organic Gardener he is grows an organic vegetable garden on his Manhattan fire escape. InSimply Raw Recipes , he shows his raw vegan recipes. In 365 Ways To Go Green he demonstrates daily actionable steps on how to be earth friendly.

 

Issue 6 | July/August 2010

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