Green Marketing

http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/marketing/a/greenmarketing.htm

Many companies have chosen greener paths, but are they truly green if they market themselves in a green way? I think before reading this article, I felt that the little factoids about being green vs. not being green were less of a marketing strategy and more of an environmentally thoughtful education of customers.

However, I do believe now that companies should use green marketing whenever possible. People should feel responsible for the ups and downs that are a result of their decisions. This doesn't necessarily end at education of social responsibility/green-ness, but it also may benefit companies who utilize green marketing. If you think about it, customers will likely remember the company that seems socially responsible - I know I do - and will be more likely to be repeat shoppers. Anything that a firm can do to differentiate itself from its competition will lead to a positive result.

My only question is whether or not this article really describes green marketing or whether it describes green washing. Is it more about preserving the environment or about marketing to people? I understand the concept of showing that the firm is "green," but by replacing plastic bags with paper bags, how much help are you really giving? I feel that you need to be green in all that you do as a firm, but you can take little steps to achieve the goal of being green.

Is the article really "green" or is it "greenwashing"?