"Greenwashing, Bush Street..."
by , 2007-04-25
Editor,
Thank you for writing about how corporations are "greenwashing" themselves. I am shocked and horrified to see how widespread this has become. New media outlets are even springing up to assist corporations in "greenwashing" their image.
I had a free subscription to the now-defunct magazine "Organic Style", and was dismayed to find its pages filled with information about "organic" products to buy at Wal-Mart and glossy features about wonderful diamond necklaces to buy. Now I find more media outlets, such as thedailygreen.com and sprig.com taking its place, telling me how I can buy organic cotton products at H&M, a store that sells clothing most certainly made in sweatshops.
We don't have to buy the hype. There are good organizations like Co-Op American and Global Exchange that can help us see that environmentalism, social justice and fair trade can and MUST go hand-in-hand.
Best regards,
Erika McDonald
Editor,
I recall that when “Bush I” was running for a second term, someone was caught going down Bush Street with a ladder and custom “Clinton” stickers, pasting over the street signs. The police caught him and there was an article in the then Examiner. Sadly, this goes back further then online archives go.
Chris Duderstadt
Editor,
Thank you for your comments on green-washing. There have been many good articles in the Utne Reader and The Nation lately on the lack of social issues addressed in organics and other green businesses. Even though it does say organic, one does not see the horrible working conditions behind the peeled “baby” carrots, for example. Consumers and workers alike will hopefully begin to put more pressure on these companies and businesses.
Linsay Wilson
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