FTC: If You Say ‘Eco-Friendly’ You Better Prove It

by Nate Wooley | October 2, 2012 10:41 am

It’s trendy for companies to portray themselves as “green” nowadays — even if they’re not.

That has caught the attention of the Federal Trade Commission, which is revising its standards for companies making claims of being “green” or ‘”eco-friendly” in their advertising, reports USA TODAY[1].

First issued 20 years ago and last updated in 1998, the guides are designed to prevent deceptive and fraudulent and can lead to warnings and fines.

New items in this update:

• Definitions of “carbon offset,” “non-toxic,” and “renewable energy”
• “Degradable” items must now entirely break down within one year of disposal
• Companies must be prepared to justify their environmental claims

The entire guidelines can be read at the Federal Trade Commission (PDF file)[2].

But how will THESE companies do under the new guidelines?

• Ack, Brown Toilet Paper Coming to a Bathroom Near You?[3]
• Alternative Energy Stocks: It’s Good to Go Green![4]

Source URL: http://investorplace.com/2012/10/what-is-green-when-it-comes-to-marketing/
Short URL: http://investorplace.com/?p=239544

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