22 September 2008
FSC Watch

Friends of the Earth (FoE) has become the first major international NGO to confirm that it no longer recognises the value of FSC certificates. FoE England's website is now advising that FoE "is deeply concerned by the number of FSC certifications that are now sparking controversy and threatening the credibility of the scheme. We cannot support a scheme that fails to guarantee high environmental and social standards. As a result we can no longer recommend the FSC standard".

8 September 2008
Mobium Group

Despite new research showing more Australian consumers believe their buying choices can have a positive impact on the environment, almost nine in ten are sceptical about the health and environmental claims companies make about their products and services.

The findings by Mobium Group, a Melbourne-based consumer research company, reveal the number of consumers who want to "do the right thing" by the environment through their purchasing choices has risen by almost one-third since last year, from 62 per cent to 82 per cent.

27 June 2008
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, today launched a suite of ACCC guidance materials on carbon offsets claims.

"There is a growing trend of marketing claims about the ability to 'neutralise' the carbon footprint of, for example, cars, flights and households using carbon offsets," he said.

"Consumer concerns about the veracity of claims on carbon offsets have led the ACCC to develop guidance for consumers and industry on the Trade Practices Act implications of carbon offset claims."

20 June 2008
ABC Online
Based on a report by Neil Woolrich for Lateline Business

The ACCC is threatening to fine companies that make false or misleading statements about their environmentally-friendly products. As consumers continue to jump on the environmental bandwagon, so too is big business. With that comes an increase in questionable green marketing claims - a practice the competition watchdog is currently investigating.

Experts say that more work needs to be done, and there are growing calls for a uniform set of green marketing standards.

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