Uncovering the Truth About Compostable Bags and Greenwashing
As I delved into why San Diego doesn’t accept bags marketed as compostable or biodegradable in its food waste recycling program, I stumbled upon an interesting inconsistency in the advertising practices of the California-based plastics company, Crown Poly.
Their HippoSak product is touted to break down in a home compost bin, a certification supposedly obtained from a European company named TÜV AUSTRIA. However, upon reaching out to TÜV AUSTRIA, I discovered that Crown Poly lacked any valid certificates from them. Mike Saddler from TÜV AUSTRIA’s product certification team even mentioned their unsuccessful attempts to rectify the false claims made by Crown Poly.
Despite my attempts to contact Crown Poly for clarification, the company remained unresponsive. This situation raises concerns about the accuracy of their environmental claims, potentially falling under the category of greenwashing – where misleading information is used to promote products as eco-friendly.
Greenwashing is a prevalent problem, with many companies, organizations, and even governments making ambitious claims about their environmental commitments without valid substantiation. For instance, several local governments are banking on costly and undeveloped technologies like direct air capture to achieve their net zero goals.
San Diego County faced a setback when their Climate Action Plan was invalidated in 2021 due to reliance on international carbon credits. Environmentalists criticized the plan for allowing developers to offset emissions far away from San Diego, leading to unverifiable results.
If you suspect a product of greenwashing, feel free to reach out to me at mackenzie@voiceofsandiego.org for further investigation.
In Other News
- I recently explored the implications of a battery fire in Escondido and its connection to the county’s renewable energy transition. Read the full story here.
- Discover how San Diego County aims to reduce driving while enabling sustainable development, and the exemptions facilitating this process here.
- High temperatures and electrical outages in San Diego prompted concerns from residents and utility providers. Stay informed about the ongoing challenges here.
- Mission Bay Parks Committee raises concerns about fireworks impact on local bird populations. Learn more about the developments here.
- In Imperial County, access to respiratory specialists remains a challenge, leading residents to seek care across the border in Mexico. Find out more about this healthcare issue here.
- The energy demands of artificial intelligence raise questions about its impact on utility bills. Stay updated on the latest insights here.
