OK, this is something we have all witnessed but may not know there is actually a term for it. When we see green labels on items that just don't seem to be green in any reasonable way and wonder, "how does this product help the environment"? This question we ask ourselves is probably a good indicator that something is not right and "greenwashing" may be involved. In some cases, you can be sure "greenwashing" is involved.

The product that first irked me was actually window cleaner. Yes, I still use the product. However, when my bulk supply runs out, I may refill with vinegar and a few grains of water softener. The problem is not so much the product as it is the claim. Take cars for example: Lets face it, cars do nothing to help the environment, more efficient cars just hurt it less, but most of us still depend on them. Because we depend on them, we do the next best thing and try to drive less, use more fuel efficient models and consider the impact before taking action. While this isn't perfect, it does help versus business as usual.

The label on the window cleaner bottle struck me as almost offensive. How could amonia, water and a plastic bottle be eco friendly? I buy the bulk refill to cut the plastic and transport to a minimum, but this is not a product that protects the environment. Note that the "Greenlist" logo makes no claims. This is just a logo that creates a positive image and a name that creates positive thoughts. There is nothing wrong with it. However, the purpose is clear, it creates association of positive environmental impact with the product.

SC Johnson came up with a quasi-certification mark "Greenlist tm" for ranking its own raw materials to help "families quickly identify that SC Johnson products are made with a commitment to a more positive health and environmental profile." This is the certification on the bottle! SC Johnson creates a label that seems to appear like an outside entity and places it on the product to certify the environmental friendliness! Wow.

There are plenty of other companies doing the same kinds of things. Car companies often claim to be green. We need clarification as to what the green claim identifies. There is a really good breakdown of "greenwashing" and examples on the related link below.

If you are in the market for a new cell phone, consider the radiation. Follow the related link for a top 10 list and more information.

A study done by NAVTEQ, a navigation system data provider, found that using GPS systems with real-time traffic information can save drivers four days a year of driving time and can cut emissions by 21 percent.

The end is near for the standard filament style light bulb. In Europe, it has been officially banned. Existing supplies are allowed to be sold, but that will be the end. The U.S. has a plan for banning the bulbs in 2012.

This is a good reason to keep replacing the lights you use for general area lights with more efficient types. This incremental transition will be easier on your pocketbook.

Hope for improvements in LED's they are probably the next best bet.

As many people make an effort to help the environment and make healthy choices, they opt for a re-usable water bottle. However, all water bottles are not created equal. In fact one company has recently shared that the liner of the aluminum bottle contains small amounts of bisphenol-A, (BPA), the very reason to avoid plastic bottles! What is going on is simple, there is essentially a plastic bottle inside the aluminum bottle.

Inside the bottle is a liner to keep your liquid separate from the aluminum. Adding hot liquid or simply aging, can cause the BPA to leach out. Sigg has offered to exchange the bottle if you have the old liner. Note, the liner ingredients are a trade secret, just like the first time. It is easy to recognize the new liner, they changed the color from a copper or bronze to a pale yellow.



Even though Sigg has changed their liner, this does not mean other manufacturers have. A safe bet is stainless steel. And according to the article, Kleen Kanteen, ThinkSport, and Nalgene all sell stainless steel water bottles that are BPA-free and, most importantly, don't have any liners (so there aren't any potentially dangerous secret ingredients to worry about).

See the related link for the full article.