To continue with the topic of greenwashing and elaborating on often misused and under explain terms, we will focus on the term "natural". Although the term "Natural" is not often used in the HVAC industry. It is often used when speaking about many items that are "green" or "sustainable." I think it best to include it in our list of terms.
Natural defined by Dictionary.com:
1. existing in or formed by nature ( opposed to artificial): a natural bridge.
2. based on the state of things in nature; constituted by nature: Growth is a natural process.
11. having undergone little or no processing and containing no chemical additives: natural food; natural ingredients. Compare organic ( def. 11 ) .
25. not treated, tanned, refined, etc.; in its original or raw state: natural wood; natural cowhide.
To look at this term quickly, it may also be a Synonym of organic, green and good for the environment, but when used in advertising unfortunately this is not always true. There are many ways that the term natural can be used for products that are not necessarily good for the environment. There is no legal definition for "natural or all natural."
Technically Coal is natural, even though burning coal has negative environmental impact. Natural gas is a common term, which also carries some negative effects for the environment, although considered one of the better forms of traditional energy. There was a period of time Pizza Hut® was using the term Natural in their advertising. Well technically the ingredients are, but that does not mean they are good for you. Fruits and vegetables can all be considered natural no matter how they have been treated during the growing process.
Although "Natural" is not a key term in the HVAC field it is important to pay attention to the terms around you. Next week we will drive deeper into more greenwashing terms.
Natural defined by Dictionary.com:
1. existing in or formed by nature ( opposed to artificial): a natural bridge.
2. based on the state of things in nature; constituted by nature: Growth is a natural process.
11. having undergone little or no processing and containing no chemical additives: natural food; natural ingredients. Compare organic ( def. 11 ) .
25. not treated, tanned, refined, etc.; in its original or raw state: natural wood; natural cowhide.
To look at this term quickly, it may also be a Synonym of organic, green and good for the environment, but when used in advertising unfortunately this is not always true. There are many ways that the term natural can be used for products that are not necessarily good for the environment. There is no legal definition for "natural or all natural."
Technically Coal is natural, even though burning coal has negative environmental impact. Natural gas is a common term, which also carries some negative effects for the environment, although considered one of the better forms of traditional energy. There was a period of time Pizza Hut® was using the term Natural in their advertising. Well technically the ingredients are, but that does not mean they are good for you. Fruits and vegetables can all be considered natural no matter how they have been treated during the growing process.
Although "Natural" is not a key term in the HVAC field it is important to pay attention to the terms around you. Next week we will drive deeper into more greenwashing terms.
Comments
Post a Comment