The practice of being green is catching on fast. Consumers look more favorably upon businesses that are environmentally conscience and businesses know that in order to prosper they need to be green as well.
Too often, however, businesses try to take a shortcut so that they can take in all the benefits of being green. “Greenwashing” is the term used when a company tries to portray themselves as environmentally friendly but in reality they are not.
Companies must be aware not to partake in greenwashing. Consumers will eventually realize they are not being truthful and organizations will only be seen as negative in the community. Businesses must not promote themselves as being green unless they really are. They can certainly support being environmentally friendly, but must not lie to consumers and say they are doing more than they really are. Read this blog post about some issues going in the UK concerning advertising and greenwashing.
The Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) is the resource to show businesses how to truly be green, convey that message, and run a more successful business. A partnership with the IGBA will help prevent greenwashing and gives businesses the creditability to truly say they are green.
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