Federal Trade Commission Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (FTC Green Guides)

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, commonly known as the Green Guides, are a set of guidelines issued by the FTC to help businesses avoid making deceptive or misleading environmental claims in their marketing and advertising. First introduced in 1992 and updated periodically, the Green Guides aim to ensure that marketers provide clear and substantiated environmental information to consumers.

Key areas covered by the FTC Green Guides include:

• General Environmental Claims: Guidance on claims like "eco-friendly" and "sustainable," which require qualification to avoid consumer misinterpretation.
• Specific Claims: Rules for specific claims such as biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, non-toxic, and renewable energy usage.
• Substantiation: Requirement for marketers to have reliable and scientific evidence to back up any environmental claim made.

The Green Guides are not legally binding regulations, but they serve as a critical reference point for businesses to ensure compliance with federal truth-in-advertising laws and avoid greenwashing practices.

Source(s):

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC). (n.d.). Green Guides.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC). (n.d.). Environmental Claims: Summary of the Green Guides.

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