Environmental Messages Need to Be Authentic

It's not news that the environment and sustainability are hot topics and that many companies are striving to "green" their corporate images. But a new report by Nielsen Online says you better not try "greenwashing" or the environmental blogosphere will take you to task.

Instead, said Nielsen, "consumers expect consistency in action and authentic and transparent messaging." Bloggers will be quick to pounce on greenwashing and will denounce companies trying to hype their environmental achievements.

You can find the full press release here: "Online Consumers Call for Greater Transparency in Strategies for Environmental Sustainability, According to Nielsen Online."
Some other highlights of the report:

Online "buzz" around sustainability rose 50 percent according to Nielsen's measurement data. Nielsen generated its data by measuring the number of messages about various environmental topics.
Buzz about "global warming," "carbon emissions," and "organics" fell in 2007
Buzz on the rise in 2007: "renewable energy/alternative fuels," "resource conservation," "recycle/reuse," "pollution," "toxins," "packaging/plastic," and "transportation (hybrids, carpooling)"

Jon Greer

Jon Greer has been analyzing media and PR for more than 25 years. He's been a journalist and a PR executive, and has been a featured speaker for many years at the Bulldog Reporter Media Relations Summit, and served as Bulldog's Editorial Director for their PR University series of weekly how-to audio conferences.

Jon provides PR services including media relations and freelance writing to clients including start-ups, law firms, corporations, investment banks and venture capital firms. In addition, Jon provides spokesperson training. Learn more about Jon's training programs at The Media Bridge.

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