hanseich

Finally someone that speaks up. I own a small company that makes wooden toys and we pride ourselves on being green, but I cannot stand green washing. I just yesterday picked up a black plastic brace (edging for interlocking stones) and it said "eco edge" or something of that sort. It pointed out that it was made from 100% recycled material. First of all, before green was on, they were already probably using recycled material, because it is most likely cheaper to buy than new rubber. Secondly, what is eco? Should it not take in consideration the entire life cycle of the item? You are putting plastic into the ground. The stones will just fall to pieces eventually and become part of the soil again. What about the plastic? Does it off-gas dangerous chemicals? Will birds or animals pick on it and make them sick?

If a company prides themselves in makeing a green product or being green, I urge you to look if they are ISO 14001, which is a management system which shows exactly how eco friendly a company is.

Best Regards, Hans (from ukoonto.com)