Greenwashing

While traveling last month, we ended up watching a TV show WITHOUT TIVO! (Please friends, don't try this at home). Without being able to fast forward through the commercials, we were subject to the musings of our 2 sponsors, BP and Chevrolet.

First, here is British Petroleum letting us know how DEEPLY green they are, and generally wagging their fingers at us about how it's important to get behind alternative energy. (I think they bought a small solar company somewhere or something. They are very self-satisfied about this). I wanted to do some fact checking before I bashed them for greenwashing, and found that all I have to do is link you to this article and I can go back to my Carrot Ginger Muffin. Or, if you don't like so many facts and numbers with your coffee, help yourself to this outraged YouTube roundtable discussion.

But on to an easier target. Chevrolet. Their animated commercial advised us that men could save water by not running the tap while shaving. Women, they asked, do you really need to wash your hair every day? How about getting a hat, or a kicky up-do?

This is greenwashing at its finest. The problem is not the manufacturer of the Chevy Tahoe (14 mpg city, 19 highway) but those of us who insist on washing our hair. This, friends, is the true calling of the car companies- water conservation. You can tell they feel passionately about it. Female Chevrolet execs are now all wearing hats to show their solidarity. You might think that a car company would show their commitment to a greener world by recommended car-pooling, or taking the bus. But never mind. I'm wearing a kicky up-do right now. World saved.