W02 Reading Reflection: A History of Greenwashing

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The idea of "greenwashing" is an interesting thought. Not so much the concept of saving water in hotels by not washing residents' towels/linens daily, but in the way behaviours can change through various marketing. Hotel visitors, I'm sure, would not have had a second thought about hotel laundry protocol with the little card, just like people wouldn't have had a second thought about the health risks of smoking back in the 1950's.

Dangers of Buzz Words
Though pushing "green" and "eco" is positive for the environment, there seems to be a false sense of satisfaction from doing only marginally sustainable things. How much good does not washing your towel for one night really do in a hotel that runs air-con 24/7? That has lights running all day and night? That has marble floors and bars shipped from Italy? Saying you are doing sustainable things doesn't make you sustainable...

Advertising Changing Society
Using advertising has always been a driver of the overarching mindset of society. Just like "Greenwashing", various negative social patterns may be slowed or completely stopped through public awareness or advertising. Anti-smoking campaigns are what come to mind through this. Though it has taken decades, smoking has gone from glamorous and a way of life, to a disgusting habit that is forced from the public eye. Seeing this change through the years gives hopes for other social issues, such as obesity, car usage, and other wasteful and negative human habits.

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