One of the biggest problems with “sustainability development” today is the mis-use of the term. The lack of knowledge on the subject has resulted in both the intentional and un-intentional practice of “greenwashing,” where a product, service, and/or viewpoint is marketed as sustainable or environmentally friendly when in fact, it is not. It is important to note that just because something is environmentally friendly doesn’t mean it’s sustainable. The problem has become such that even the FTC got involved, going after those using “green” marketing techniques, trying to ensure that environmental claims are indeed substantiated.
And, what makes it worse is that our government and so-called leadership are among the worst offenders, in large part due to the influence and power that they yield. The FTC may want to start their search right there in Washington. Take for instance the “Green the Capital” program sponsored by former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (which has recently been discontinued thank goodness). Come to find out, reports show that the bio-degradable products that were used at the capital and then shipped off for processing caused more harm than good to the environment, and cost the tax payer about half-a-million to boot. This is not sustainable. Neither is a “greener” military, a “green” czar, or most any other “green” word that comes out of a politicians’ mouth.
Just because you are more “conscious” of the environment with your consumption doesn’t make you green or sustainable. Until our leaders, and our mainstream media, realize that being sustainable means protecting our Earth’s resources for future generations – and includes social, environmental, and economic considerations – they will likely continue to be the biggest “greenwashers” of all, throwing around empty promises like sustainability, green, and environmental just to win elections. Next time you hear a politician or the mainstream media use the words “green” or “sustainable,” ask yourself if they are doing it to win elections and sell advertising space, or are they doing it to try and make the Earth a better place for current and future generations.
