Earth Day Must Be Upon Us – Ads Say Buy Green

The Sunday paper came and my wife made a comment that you could tell it’s almost Earth Day because all the stores have their “green” sales.  To be honest – I’ve noticed this too.  She even pointed out the new Ziploc Evolve bags that use 25% less plastic (oooh, ahhhhh..ughhhh).  Sure – there is a less plastic and a 100% recycled cardboard container, but it’s still oil-based plastic and not PLA or something.) Everyone is having a eco-friendly sale.  Target is selling Loomstate organic cotton products – but only for a month. Even  Amazon.com is having an Earth Day sale. Macy’s is turning over a new leaf. Walmart is even having “Earth Month.” Of course the Disney Store is cashing in, too 8:-)

Where should my heart lie?  Is the recyclable glass half empty or half full?  Should I be happy that there are some sustainable products being marketed heavily right now or should I be a pessimist because they’re trying to capitalize off of Earth Day? The ones that piss me off are ads like Target – where they boast “in honor of earth week, our ad is made from 50% recycled fiber.” Why aren’t they printed on 100% recycled paper all the time (or even their boastful 50%)?  So they’re saving some virgin trees…for this week at least.

If you really want to honor Earth Day – try not participating in consumerism – or buy something used (novel concept).  The fact remains that we’re all consumers – so pick wisely, do a little research, and do your best not to be green washed.  If you have to buy something new, I’d rather you buy something remotely sustainable.  That’s the best advice I can give you. Consume wisely.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Reject.

Ben Folds – All You Can Eat