News
Warning about Green Certifications
Not all Green Certifcaitons are equal, and some are Outright Lies
The FTC recently took up the issue of Greenwashing, but deferred the question into the same category as other bad practices of business advertising. While everyone understands that Greenwashing is a deceptive practice, it seems to be a part of marketing hype that is often very misleading. Green certification infers to the public that a business is credibly Green operated except when Green scammers sell blind certifications over the Internet.
FTC does warn businesses and consumers to take a closer look at the Green boasts of any certification firm. FTC has not yet provided the mechanism needed by consumers to identify the fakes from the genuinely Green companies. If the boasts are patently and proven lies, the FTC may take action in such cases.
The rise of dozens of website Green certifications is particularly troubling. Inventive programmers with little or no experience can design an attractive website that is intended to attract a gullible public that is often looking the easy way to Go Green. This is why these website certification programs are called “Easy Green.”
Like many legal scams, the FTC and other watchdog agencies can only warn the public to be aware of the potential risks of working with these inventive websites. The give-away for these scam programs is the obvious practice of “Pay-to-Play” approach. This means the customer need only pay the fee to get the certification. While there are other forms and online guides for added information, the fundamental issue is that the company need only pay the fee to get what is promised. There is no true compliance process or verification that the company is actually living up to any standard.
Of course, that means that there must be a standard. Across the dozens of websites, the standards vary widely. One program places a premium on carbon footprint and carbon credits. Another website offers a certification program for $99 but then sends an Eco Consultant to sell their Green products to the unsuspecting customer. Yet another website is designed to gather the basic information of the company that is later sold to other companies for marketing purposes.
The Green Business League stands alone in the market as one program that will never Greenwash. The standards of the Green Business League have a national standard built around a point system. GBL requires all certifications to undergo an annual audit by a Certified Green Consultant, and has more than 300 Green consultants to provide the kind of guidance found nowhere else.
The Green Business League also sponsors The Sustainable Forum that seeks to train and install a Certified Green Officer in every business. Perhaps this is why the Gerald R Ford Presidential Library chose to seek Green certification by GBL. More and more companies seeking to develop their Green program turn to the Green Business League.
More News
Green Consulting Breakthrough Announced
In fact, the expectation is that this software will reach more than 100,000 businesses across America. With about 350 consultants, the next stage of development is obvious. There is a need to establish agencies across the country to serve the b ...
Released On: 1/18/2011
Views: 4756
Green Entrepreneurs Find New Challenge
Those that know how to make business happen are some of the sharpest people on earth. When others see trash, they see treasure. When others are selling, they are buying. The ability to see the opportunity is what will catch the eye of the new ...
Released On: 12/20/2010
Views: 4849
Green Business Needs Less Talk and More Action
A new system for Green business development will premier on January 1st, 2011. This is one of those quantum leaps that will change whole communities and make a big difference in our level of environmental commitment.
Released On: 12/20/2010
Views: 4178
La Liga de Negocios Verdes Visita Lima, Peru
El programa de La Liga de Negocios Verde estamos orgullosos de anunciar y celebrar una abertura magnifica en Suramérica con una visita en Lima, Perú. Lorena Muro está certificada como Consultante de La Liga de Negocios Verde y es del Perú.
Released On: 9/30/2010
Views: 5190
Greentreprenuer Training in Tampa FL
Green Business League is offering it highly-acclaimed Green consultant training in Tampa and Dallas. For those with a strong desire to change the face of their community, this is one of those rare opportunities to become the Green leadership in ...
Released On: 9/29/2010
Views: 4284
Green Business League In South America
The Green Business League will be visiting the beautiful country of Peru to develop governmental and business partnership to program Green business practices. Central and South America is an important part of the international efforts of the Gre ...
Released On: 9/29/2010
Views: 3769
Warning about Green Certifications
Buying your Green certification online sounds easy enough, but the question is where this falls into the area of deceptive practices since your customers tend to trust that your certification is legitimate? Avoid the backlash of Greenwashing by ...
Released On: 8/5/2010
Views: 3568
The Next Big, Green Thing
An invitation-only event will be held on Jan 14-15, 2010 in Miami for those with the skills to build a chapter of The Sustainable Forum
Released On: 8/4/2010
Views: 4402
Greening South Africa with Green Business League
South Africa is a progressive nation that is ready to apply Green standards and bring Green to business.
Released On: 7/15/2010
Views: 2802
As the Ozone Layer Heals, Green Business gets a Headache
Outside air is only part of the problem, we spend more time in bad air quality facilities, and it lasts a lifetime.
Released On: 7/2/2010
Views: 2278
How Green is your Bathroom
Simple ideas that save water, save costs, and fit into the basic steps needed for any Green company.
Released On: 7/1/2010
Views: 4075
Train Your Own Sustainability Officer
The fact is that it will not be long until every Green business will have a sustainability officer.
Released On: 6/28/2010
Views: 4693
Could Your Green Certification be Worth-Less?
Is paying $50 or $500 for a Green certification a really bad idea for your company? The answer should change the way to see Green!
Released On: 6/23/2010
Views: 3769
Voting with Green Dollars
Businesses pay attention to spending trends, but customers also need to understand Green Certifications.
Released On: 6/16/2010
Views: 4038
Green Business League Brings Green Certification to South Africa
Greg Seymour brings years of environmental experience to his native land. Green businesses will find a tremendous partner in Green certification efforts.
Released On: 6/15/2010
Views: 3818
Marlyand Appraisal Firms Earns Green Certification
Released On: 6/12/2010
Views: 4242
The Risks of Greenwashing.
Released On: 6/7/2010
Views: 5483
The Sure Cure for Greenwashing
We are passing through the Wild West of Green and will eventually emerge in a time when Green means something.
Released On: 5/27/2010
Views: 3634
