Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Come clean on sustainability

By Margaret Lawson - posted Tuesday, 1 April 2008


But consumer education will only go so far to fix this emerging problem. Few of us have the time to read a technical explanation of reforestation before buying breakfast cereal. This is why greater regulation of green claims is necessary.

The same level of scrutiny that applies to the Heart Foundation tick should be introduced in Australia to oversee environmental claims.

If they knew that a program was well-run and credible, consumers would rely on its green tick of approval. And as a communicator, I would be proud to promote a product that had genuine accreditation backing its claims.

Advertisement

The most damaging part of the proliferation of bogus environmental statements is that they can cast doubt on the genuine progress being made by organisations that are doing the right thing.

As such, those of us in the communication industries need to take accountability for things we write and say about our employers and clients.

We too have obligations - an obligation to strive for authenticity, an obligation not to mislead and an obligation to promote organisations in a way that ensures they are "walking the walk" of sustainability as well as that they "talk the talk".

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. Page 3
  5. All

First published in The Courier-Mail on Mach 27, 2008.



Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

6 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Margaret Lawson is a director of Cole Lawson Communications and Expert Guide and has national and international experience in public relations. She has worked on the marketing of carbon neutral and sustainability projects in the energy industry.

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Margaret Lawson
Article Tools
Comment 6 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy