Paul L. Newman, Organic Food Pioneer and Philanthropist
Paul L. Newman (1925-2008)
Paul Newman is a humble philanthropist, Oscar-winning actor, and, to many in my generation, well-know for the tasty salad dressings and pasta sauces we see on grocery shelves. With his Newman’s Own brand, he helped bring organic food to mainstream America during the past two decades–long before Whole Foods Market and the organics aisle were in vogue.
Mr. Newman started the company with writer A.E. Hotchner in 1982, and since then has grown a highly popular brand with a devoted following.
Greenwashing: Buyer Beware of Wet Paint
Ahhh, the new age of eco-consciousness. We now have a massive segment of the consumer population with a hunger for organic food, recycled packaging, energy-efficiency, clean air and water–anything that we think will make a difference.
And there’s a flood of green product marketing following the crowd. Companies continue to launch populist advertising and green product labels that are often, at best, misleading.
So how much of this eco-friendly marketing is simply greenwashing, and how do we recognize it? Who can we trust to regulate ads, packaging, and the truth?
