FTC To Scruitinize Carbon Offset Programs
Submitted by David on Wed, 01/09/2008 - 22:36.
The New York Times ran an article today that the FTC will hold its first workshop in a series on the issue of green marketing on carbon offset programs. According to Deborah Platt Majoras, the FTC's chairwoman, the scruitiny is justified because these programs present a "heightened potential for deception”.
Companies are increasingly looking to offer offset plans. For example, Volkswagen offered an offset plan to plant trees in the lower Mississippi valley, but many companies are chosing not to manage these programs themselves but are rather turning to independent offset companies such as TerraPass and Carbonfund.org, for expertise.
Business Week looked at several carbon offset transactions last year, and found that some deals were deceptive.
Increasingly, companies are promoting their green purchases on their packaging but there is growing concern about deceptive practices.
The FTC is accepting public comments on its Green Guides through February 11.
