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News :: Environment |
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"Don't Be Fooled" Exposes Top 10 Misleading Environmental Claims |
Current rating: 0 |
by Earthday Resources for Living Green via ML
(No verified email address) |
03 Apr 2003
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Kraft Named for its use of Genetically Engineered Ingredients
One of Kraft's largest manufacturing facilities is located in Champaign |
BOSTON - April 1 - On April Fool’s Day, Earthday Resources for Living Green released the tenth annual “Don’t Be Fooled” report. The “Don’t Be Fooled” report documents misleading advertising by companies polluting the planet.
This year’s report names 10 companies, ranging from oil to food companies, which are attempting to create the image of environmental friendliness while diverting attention from their poor environmental track records. “Don’t Be Fooled” also contains a brief explanation and history of greenwashing, a look at how organizations like the Federal Trade Commission are combating misleading claims, and easy-to-follow tips for consumers to use when making everyday purchases.
“These companies are trying to make fools out of the public,” stated Rachel Heller, Coordinator for Earthday Resources. “Ad campaigns like the ones named in the ‘Don’t Be Fooled’ report take advantage of the concern consumers have for the environment by attempting to trick them into thinking polluting companies are protecting the planet.”
“Greenwash” is defined in the 10th edition of the Concise Oxford English Dictionary as the “disinformation disseminated by an organization so as to present an environmentally responsible public image.” Its inclusion in the dictionary indicates the significance and permanence of a growing trend among corporations to take advantage of the many consumers who look for products with no environmental impact. Increasingly, Americans are basing their purchasing decisions on the environmental and social impacts of products and manufacturers. According to the Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) Journal, in 2000, this growing market represented $546 billion globally and $226.8 billion in the U.S.
Kraft, named for the second year in a row, is one of the companies featured in this report. Last year, Kraft was exposed for labeling genetically engineered foods as ‘natural’. This year, the company is hiding its irresponsible use of genetically engineered ingredients behind its new parent company, Altria Group, Inc. Altria attempts to cover for Kraft and its other company Philip Morris, by declaring its commitment to the environment. Kraft Foods contains genetically engineered ingredients despite demonstrated risks, including unforeseen allergic reactions, increased antibiotic resistance, increased herbicide use, and harm to insects and wildlife.
“If Kraft and its parent company want to convince the public that they are truly responsible, they must stop using genetically engineered ingredients. Kraft can’t hide their environmental impact behind glossy nature ads. As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding,” stated Kate Madigan, state PIRGs Safe Foods Advocate.
The “Don’t Be Fooled” Report has been released annually since 1992 on April Fool’s Day by Earthday Resources for Living Green, an organization whose mission is to help consumers keep the spirit of Earth Day alive by providing tips and tools to lead environmentally conscious lifestyles. The web based organization produces a variety of reports, publications, a quarterly newsletter (Earth Tips) and promotes environmentally responsible businesses through Shop for the Earth (an online store located at www.earthdayresources.org). The state Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) are an alliance of state-based, citizen funded organizations that advocate for the public interest. The PIRGs are founding members of Genetically Engineered Food Alert, a national coalition calling for a moratorium on genetically engineered foods unless they are found safe, labeled, and liability standards are in place.
To obtain a copy of “Don’t Be Fooled,” call Earthday Resources for Living Green at 1-877-EARTH-46 or check it out online at www.earthdayresources.org |
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