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Viewing Tag: Global warming

New FTC Guidelines Are Coming — Making Sense of it All

by Bob Mitchell

November 11th, 2008 in , , , , , ,

“We need to be Green”.  “It’s the right thing to do.”  “It’s the in thing.”

As marketers jump on the bandwagon, some will do it right and others….well, we have all seen an ad and said, “That’s bull.”  So what’s a guy to do…or more directly, an advertiser?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) first published guidelines in 1992 but the issues of ’92 are not the issues of today.  Witness Obama and McCain arguing Global Warming — not a topic addressed in ’92. The good news is the FTC will release updated guidelines in 2009.  The bad news is that it’s the FTC and the government doesn’t always use “common speak.”  The better news is that I just read a whitepaper from Goodwin Procter that is short and to the point; a shining “green” light in the darkness.

Marketers need to follow constantly evolving guidelines and laws regarding “Green Marketing Claims.”  While the FTC originally issued guidelines in 1992, they are currently considering major revisions.   These revisions come after acceptance of comments and a series of workshops on specific issues.  Three key issues addressed are:

  • Carbon offsets and renewable energy certificates
  • Green packaging
  • Green buildings and textiles

A white paper from Godwin Procter provides an excellent overview of the issues and suggests five strategic considerations for marketers making environmental claims:

  • Carefully evaluate the potential environmental benefits of products and operations
  • Seek certification from third parties
  • Substantiate and document any environmental claims
  • Make precise environmental claims
  • Ensure that representations concerning the environmental impacts and benefits of the company’s products and operating practices are consistent

 

Global warming is hazardous to your health

by C. Commisso

April 1st, 2008 in , ,

thumbnail.jpgThat’s according to a report issued Monday by the American Public Health Association (APHA). The connection between the two is the focus of a new campaign the APHA is launching to combat the health effects of climate change.

“Few Americans are aware of the very real consequences of climate change on the health of our communities, our families and our children,” says APHA.

Read more…

Michigan ranks in America’s 50 greenest cities

by Julie Cook

February 19th, 2008 in , , ,

GreenCities are taking environmental action to heart. In everything from emissions control to environmental stewardship, cities across the country are far ahead of the federal government, and they’re achieving their successes with ready-made technology. Livonia, Michigan, was ranked number 46 based on transportation, recycling, green living, and electricity. See the full list at America’s 50 Greenest Cities.

Leading brands call for action on climate change

by C. Commisso

February 11th, 2008 in , , , ,

GreenSome of the world’s leading businesses have come together to call for the world to take all necessary action to keep global warming below the dangerous threshold of 2 degrees Celsius. Read the complete article here.