Monsanto’s image takes a beating
It’s been a rough few months for Monsanto’s efforts to brand itself an environmentally responsible company.
But last week the St. Louis-based chemical giant suffered a blow that’s potentially bigger than the bad PR it’s gotten all month from the documentary film Food Inc.: A U.S. Appeals Court ruling gives momentum to farmers and environmentalists who are trying to block the company’s genetically engineered takeover of global seed stocks.
Monsanto never exactly has been an enviro-darling. While it refers to itself nowadays as an “agricultural company,” it’s still perceived for its Big Chem roots and is best known for Astroturf, Roundup and genetically modified seeds. But few companies have suffered as bad a spate of environmental headlines as Monsanto has since April.
As best I can tell, the bad publicity started on April Fool’s Day (appropriately enough). Read more
CRAPP from the oil & plastics industries
Not too far from some of the power company ads around here.
Greenwashing: FTC accuses Kmart, 2 other companies
Eco-conscious consumers are getting a bit of help in their efforts to wade through the green claims of products. At the same time, the Federal Trade Commission’s announcement that it’s charged Kmart and two other companies for making false claims may have healthy implications in the swelling world of green marketing.
According to Environmental Leader, Kmart Corp. called its American Fare brand disposable plates biodegradable, Tender Corp. made the same claim about its Fresh Bath-brand moist wipes, and Dyna-E International about its Lightload brand compressed dry towels:
Kmart and Tender have agreed to settle the cases against them while the case against Dyna-E will be litigated. The FTC says with the recent growth in “green” advertising and product lines, the agency will continue its efforts to ensure that environmental marketing is truthful, substantiated, and not confusing to consumers.
It seems to me that the biggest beneficiaries of tougher enforcement in this area are likely to be companies that manufacture products with legitimate environmental claims. Read more
