Is Earth Day the new Valentine’s Day?

The Wall Street Journal featured an article about the rising popularity of Earth Day and companies that are jumping on the green bandwagon. (Did you know that “green” is big in 2008?)

The article, Firms Use Earth Day To Show Their Green Side, makes note of companies that have launched campaigns touting the green efforts. The most important parts of these campaigns comes down to two key components: facts and behavior change. By providing as much information as possible, companies must educate consumers and empower them to make decisions for the betterment of the planet. Also, in order to bolster their credibility, companies must make some fundamental changes to their business practices. This not only strengthens their “go green” message, but it generates the actual change they hope consumers will embrace. It’s a win-win.

Another interesting component to this article, are the stats about the number of green/eco trademarks that have been filed. More than 2,400 applications were filed for logos or phrases that used the word "green” in 2007. So, it is pretty clear that “going green” will be a major commercial focus within the next few years. It becomes infinitely more important for consumers and corporations to educate themselves about their behavior and the behavior of others.

If you find it difficult to navigate the hundreds of “green” messages, check out The Greenwashing Index. This user-driven site may not be 100% objective, but it provides some entertaining and educational reading for those looking to find out more about Greenwashing and separate the good from the bad.

Feeling inspired? Here are 10 things you can do today.