The Low Down On Green Living
October 10th, 2008
Don’t Believe the Hype: “Green” Groups Unveiled
Stumble it!
Consumer Reports has done us all a service by digging into the motivations and affiliations of some organizations that sound green but may be wolves in sheep’s clothing. There are many think tanks out there now that seem to be rallying for good green ends, but are actually supported by some pretty dubious institutions.
For example you might think that “Americans for Balanced Energy Choices” supports renewable, alternative energy sources, right? Wrong. It’s backed by the coal industry.
How about the “Environmental Literacy Council”? We could all use some more environmental literacy. But do we want it to come from the American Petroleum Institute and Exxon-Mobile? Probably not.
The Consumer Reports piece provides us with useful insights into who is behind these “green think tanks” and there is also a fun quiz you can take to test your knowledge. Click here to learn more.
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Comments
Harold
October 10th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I must respectfully point out that simply ignoring an environmental site simply because it is backed by Exxon or the API is a bit shortsighted. Would you argue that a capitalist couldn’t have informed views on Communism? Or that a prison guard could not talk intelligently about being locked up for several years? Are there BETTER sources of information out there? Almost certainly, but, to ignore those you do not “like” or agree with for only that reason is to close your mind to leaning new things.
steve
October 14th, 2008 at 9:00 am
harold, you have to consider…why would these groups not be totally honest and why would they direct people to their website by playing on their environmental concerns….propaganda. they have other motives in mind then the ones that apparently drove you to their site. pick up the book the assualt on reason by al gore. it is the way to do business now. we need to be educated when tactics such as these are now being used to sway public opinion.
Christian
October 14th, 2008 at 9:02 am
While I agree that simply discrediting the information due to it’s source is close-minded, I also think it’s important that we know who is behind these think tanks. If an industry was transparent in their support of an environmental think tank than there would are positive pr gains to be had from a true commitment to a green agenda. Without this transparency, I am left with reason to think there may be an underlying agenda. It’s likened to a pro-life organization running a planned parenthood service.
Soy Candles
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Just another example of “green washing” there is so much of it nowadays as many companies jump onto the green train and try and appear green.
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