Greenwashing vs Doing it Right

Greenwashing refers to unproven environmental claims by manufacturers of household products and appliances. One recent study put it at as high as 95%!

The racked displays at grocery stores and vague labeling can be overwhelming. But one rule of thumb is that if a product claims all sorts of beneficial things, even if some of it isn’t true, at least there is a chance the manufacturers are making an effort. I came across one of those the other day and I highly recommend all their products.

2012 update: the challenge for new products is building brand loyalty and this brand has now disappeared from shelves in Encino, presumably because it did not sell. At least I haven't seen it lately, which is really too bad. Still, there are plenty of other green brands flourishing.

It was Sun Harvest hand soap which we bought at Smart & Final (who own Sun Harvest’s parent company Henry’s Farmers Market). This hand soap worked well and the label is impressive: it claims its “non-drying formula cleans and softens hands” and it is “free of formaldehyde petrochemicals, GMOs, phosphates, chlorine and ammonia," it is “pH neutral,” “100% biodegradable” and “made from plants.” On the back it also claims that it is “septic safe – greywater system safe” and of course the plastic container is recyclable. It mentions it contains coco sulfate and other chemicals that people may object to. I am told their laundry detergent is similar.

This seems to be a step in the right direction and should be applauded. The corporate brands are just too slow and too susceptible to making claims like “Phosphorus free” when almost no products now include phosphorus – greenwashing in other words. If you can’t find Sun Harvest at Smart & Final, there is a Henry’s Farmers Market in Woodland Hills. Check them out. Sun Harvest link (PDF)

With dishwashing liquids I highly recommend Planet's Ultra Dishwashing Liquid (I picked it up at Ralphs) and Seventh Generation dishwashing liquid (I have seen it at Target, Smart & Final and elsewhere). Beware of all others.