Eco-Friendly Companies: Are They Scamming You?

photo: Thinkstock

Your favorite eco-friendly company sells products made from recycled materials, but do they really keep all their practices as “green” as they can?

As Josh Dorfman (The Lazy Environmentalist) points out on The Huffington Post, some seemingly environmentally-friendly companies may not be doing all they can to actually keep up their green practices. For example, how does the company package their items? If you get the product you ordered and it’s wrapped in layers of plastic wrap and extra packing material, it’s probably a good indication that the company may not care all that much about the environment – they may just be riding the green wave.

So check on the company’s history. Search for old media mentions and see if they always upheld eco-friendly values, or if those are a fairly new focus. Try to find out where the products are manufactured. If the company you’re wondering about is bricks and mortar rather than virtual, check out what eco-friendly measures they’re taking in the store. Look at everything from the light bulbs to whether or not shopping bags are given with purchase.

After the recent allegations against organic food companies including Newman’s Own (we know, our hearts broke, too), you should be sure you know what you’re getting when you choose a company that promises a truly green experience.

via The Huffington Post