Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By Global Warming is Real (Reporter)
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Is Google Greenwashing? Why the Paper Industry is Speaking Out Against an Online Giant

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


Google, in collaboration with Fujitsu and several other companies, recently began the Go Paperless in 2013 initiative, encouraging consumers to use online services to save paper whenever possible. Two Sides, a not-for-profit organization that supports the paper industry, is not happy with Google’s campaign; they claim that the online giant is greenwashing and trying to get consumers to use their own products.

The case against Google

Two Sides has publicly admonished Google for making what they say are inaccurate claims about the paper industry; in addition, they insinuated that Google’s involvement in a campaign to save trees is hypocritical, since their daily operations could actually have a significant, detrimental impact on the environment. Two Sides further believes that Google’s “greenwash marketing” goes against standards set up by the United States Federal Trade Commission.One of the issues that Two Sides has with Google is the fact that the Internet giant utilizes an astonishing 2.3 million megawatt-hours (Mwh) per year of power. In addition, e-waste is quickly becoming a much bigger problem than ever before; electrical devices are considered hazardous material once they have been put into the trash. Two Sides also pointed out that research shows paper copies may actually be better for the environment than documents viewed on a computer screen. It is important to note, though, that this claim is only valid if the paper copy is either used several times or looked at by multiple people. A bill sent to a customer by a Jersey City pest control company would typically not fall into this category. In addition, the study being referenced was not published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Finally, Two Sides emphasized that the United States plants more trees than it cuts down. During the last five decades, tree volume has actually increased in forested areas. One common complaint against the paper industry, though, is that it has the potential to harm the rainforest and the animals that call that area their home. Two Sides did not address this issue when speaking out against Google and the Go Paper in 2013 initiative.

A history of activism

Two Sides has been vocal about anti-paper initiatives in the past as well. About six months ago, the organization spoke out against several UK companies, including Vodafone and British Telecom, and caused the majority of them to take back their negative claims regarding the paper industry and its impact on the environment. They were also instrumental in getting the National No-Print Day campaign cancelled, which was spearheaded by Toshiba.

Only time will tell if the open letter that Two Sides wrote to Eric Schmidt, the chairman and CEO of Google, will cause the company to rethink their Go Paperless campaign. For their part, the Two Sides organization seems committed to bringing awareness to the problems they see with the initiative.

—————–

About the author: In addition to writing on a variety of green topics, Chris is also does college admissions consulting.

Main image Credit: Some rights reserved by Yodel Anecdotal
Featured image credit: methodshop.com, courtesy flickr

The post Is Google Greenwashing? Why the Paper Industry is Speaking Out Against an Online Giant appeared first on Greenwashing News and Information: The Greenwashing Blog.


Source:


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.