BTC Eco-Challenge: Test it Out Thursday

“Going Green” seemed to start out as a fad a few years ago, and now most companies are marketing themselves as “green” or sustainable.  You may have even started to see more “eco-labels” popping up on products lately. 

For Test it Out Thursday we want you to buy or test out a “green” product or service and tell us about your experience.  We want to be able to collaborate and learn about the best sustainable products out there to avoid those that are greenwashing (deceptively spinning their marketing campaign to get you to buy their so-called “green” product or service).  Plus, don’t always trust the eco-label 100%, be sure to do your research and understand the standards set by these eco-labeling companies.

If you only have time to buy the product, tell us what you got and where you purchased it.  Even better, post a picture of it on Facebook and tag “The Real Meaning of GREEN”.

If you had the time to test the product or service, here are some ideas on what to share with us:

• Did you like the product?  What did you like?  What aspects of the products didn’t you care for?  Would you buy it again?
• Did the product or company appear to be be truly sustainable?  Do you suspect them of greenwashing?

“Every time you spend money,
you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want”

~Anne Lappe

What makes a product truly sustainable?  For a product to be sustainable the company must put environmental and social aspects at the top of their priority list.  Do they source the most sustainable raw materials to make their products?  Does the company practice proper waste disposal?  Does the company avoid known dangerous chemicals in their products?  Does company refuse to test products on animals?  Does the company have policies in place that supports their employees, local community, or supports other worthy causes?

What sustainable companies can you think of? 

 

This week, I was able to buy a so-called sustainable sunscreen, Alba Botanica, on the personal recommendation of one of my "green" friends.  I say "so-called sustainable" because I haven't fully done my research on the company or product yet.  The Alba Botanica website does state that they do not use parabens, sulfates, or phthalates and they do not test on animals.  In fact their products are 100% vegetarian.  So they are off to a great start to being a truly sustainable product.

I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but since it should be warming up to the 90s by the end of the week in Denver, I should have the opportunity to try it this weekend.  I will report to you next Thursday what I thought of the product.  

Once again, when you are looking for sustainable products to buy or test, eco-labels can be helpful, but be sure you know by what standards the label certifies by.  Green Seal is one of the most trustworthy sustainable certification companies out there.  If you are looking truly sustainable products in the realm of paper products (printing paper, etc), household products (laundry soaps, etc), hand soaps & cleaners, household & industrial cleaning products, paints & construction materials, food packaging, and even hotels Green Seal is a great source.  They are now working on their certification processes on personal care products, as well.

We would love to hear from you, so please don't forget to leave a comment below with the green product or service that you bought or tried.  And then hope on over to the RMOG Facebook Page and the Muse Blog for additional points.

Plus, don’t forget to grab your bonus points by logging into Rafflecopter below.  All you have to do is login once and if you follow the Muse Blog you gain 10 points, and the same for following the RMOG blog and Facebook Page.  Plus tweet about this challenge on Twitter once per day for an extra point per day.

We hope you are enjoying the challenges!
~Kristin & Kelsey 

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