Don't Get 'Greenwashed' This Spring Cleaning

As many of us are turning our collective attention to Going Green, there is a marketing rush by many companies to cash in on the trend.

While there are many legitimate companies who truly provide an environmentally conscientious service or product...there are also some trying to merely turn a buck.

'Greenwashing', as it is commonly known, represents the latter.

"Environmental", "Green", and "All Natural" may describe both types of businesses.

"How do I tell the difference?"

I'm glad that you asked. Here are some tips for finding Green products and services that live up to their marketing/advertising.

1. Do your homework. Search online sites such as Greenopia and GreenPages that list companies who have been screened for compliance with established standards.
2. Ask Questions. Call service providers, for example, and ask them what professional associations or organizations they belong to. Don't stop there...check out those organizations!
3. Expect to pay a little bit more for these products/services ahead of time. Many of the manufacturing processes that 'Green' these products are more costly to produce. That cost, of course, is passed on to the consumer. Example: Energy saving lightbulbs have a higher retail price than traditional bulbs. Your cost is recovered in the long term savings, as many Green products are designed to do.
4. Check out established websites such as www.GreenSeal.org and even your local Department of Water and Power for links to approved resources.

We, at Foster's Carpet Dry Cleaning, are excited about Going Green, and hope that you take an active role in this concept also. What could be more important than the long term health of our environment?

Until next time...