Modified from Original Facebook Post: January 14th, 2021
This latest COVID spike and rush of mask mandates has the conspiracy goofballs out in full force right now, so let’s talk about some naturalwashing red flags that pop up frequently in the Zero Waste community, shall we?
Red Flags
Natural
Chemical Free
Ambiguous “They”
These three words, while usually harmless, in context, can get very weird, very quickly. Any time a person or brand tries to sell you something or convince you of facts based on these words, you need to think critically about what they mean and how their information is being presented to you.
Naturalwashing: “Natural” doesn’t inherently mean better.
Vinegar and water is a great daily cleaning solution, but please don’t think it could clean a hospital room because it can’t actually sanitize. Immune systems are pretty neato too, but don’t buy into anti-vaxx logic that they’re better left alone. They’re not.
Balancing the application of natural products and synthetics is exactly that – a balance. Not a war of either/or, but a balance of when and how. There is no regulated definition of what counts as “natural” anyways, so don’t let yourself be deceived by catchy labels or movements.
The Whole World is Made of Chemicals
Nothing can be chemical free because literally everything is made of chemicals. It’s a silly and greenwash-y marketing tactic to get folks to buy more expensive versions of the same products because it has a different sticker on it.
Please note: I’m not saying that there aren’t dangerous or undesirable chemicals to be avoided that can be found find on any grocery store shelf. However, even if a product removes a specific chemical from their ingredient list because it’s unsafe doesn’t make it, “chemical free.” It makes it that particular chemical free. It’s an important distinction to make in how we speak about this issue. Even unintentionally contributing to the fear of all chemicals fuels the anti-vaxx movement and a wide variety of other extremist conspiracies about…well…science.
Ambiguous “They”
Speaking of conspiracy theories, “They” is an unacceptable party to blame or accuse of anything. There are boundless examples of intentional abuses and unintentional mistakes by corporations and governing bodies that have caused harm to people and the planet. I don’t in any way dispute that. But to turn these powerful groups into ambiguous “Theys” largely tells me that a person is more interested in connecting the dots to fit their own conspiracy narrative than actually advocating for any sort of accountability from the systems of power that caused the abuse.
“Corporations and big pharma use chemicals and the government lets them,” is useless and vague and fuels fear and disinformation.
Instead try “X corporation is using Y chemical that is proven to be dangerous and Z governing body failed to intervene.”
Do you see the difference? The second statement actually contributes to a conversation about the regulation of industry to protect people and planet. From ingredients, to manufacturing, to transportation, it’s all a big pollution and waste generating mess that harms us, in a variety of ways. But it’s not a conspiracy – it’s simply a system of unrestrained capitalism that values profit over people. We can’t change that if we can’t even define who, “They” are.
Clarity = Confidence
Hopefully, walking through this a little bit can help you find the confidence to get involved in your local zero waste community a bit more. Like any community, there are problematic and predatory actors that might scare folks away from an otherwise wonderful group of humans. Simply being aware of red flags that indicate a problem can help you navigate the movement as a whole and help you find your people and the types of sustainable products that will work for your new waste-reducing lifestyle!