Pressure Intensifies For Industry Standard Labelling
It has been a busy month for the ethical industry with the ‘greening’ of Peter Mandelson, the Premier of Age of Stupid and calls for labelling standards across the green sector. The labelling issues could revolutionise the sector, calls for clear labelling have been made by the all-party Environmental Audit Committee who said there was a growing problem of firms making meaningless claims, known as "greenwash".
The committee wants an independently monitored labelling system to avoid confusion among consumers. The MPs said they preferred a voluntary scheme but ministers should consider the use of legislation if necessary. Interesting times ahead which should force up standards in the industry.
Media News
A new magazine focusing on Green Living in Scotland has been launched, Greener View. The contact for editorial is, Lianne Walker, editor@greenerview.co.uk.
Also, a new online TV channel has launched with ethics at its core. It aims to become an 'one-stop shop' for short films about all things 'ethical, empowering and ecological'. If you have films and news for ethical tv please get in touch with tania@ethical.tv. Send your films and news to tania@ethical.tv - send your films on DVD, good quality Quicktime MOV and MPEG files are best.
Media Relations Tip….. Understand the value of third party endorsement
Decide whose opinion counts in your local community or industry. Invite them to visit your project or outlet. While they are there, get a quote from them about how they feel about the service you are providing and ask them if you can use it in your media relations. Alternatively, if a visit is out of the question, you could just write and ask for the quote.
Finally, good news for us folks in the PR industry as a new study finds PR is more powerful than advertising.
Goodworld service of the month – newsletter
A newsletter is a great way to let customers know about new products or services and keep in touch. Would you like to have one but don’t have time to write one? Why not give us a call and let us help?
An Ethical Event – Eco Dating
Date: Saturday 18 Apr 2009
Time: 10am-1pm
Description: Do you want to meet interesting people? Do you like to get outside and do your bit for the environment? Would you like to meet a green-minded partner? If so, eco-dating could be for you!
It costs just £5 to take part, and refreshments of hot drinks, biscuits and cakes will be provided.
Carshalton Lavender is the Observer Ethical Award-winning community group that manages three acres of lavender fields on disused allotments in the London Borough of Sutton.
Venue: Carshalton Beeches
Contacts: Jane
E-mail: jane.carshaltonlavender@yahoo.co.uk
Web Address: www.carshaltonlavender.org
Book of the Month
Nicholas Stern’s new book, A blueprint For a Safer Planet has been released. Read The Guardian’s extract and interview with Nicholas and buy the book from Amazon.
Goodworld Communications & Happy Easter
We hope you found this edition of Media Matters useful. Goodworld is an ethical communications agency designed to help organisations with a cause have their message heard widely through strategic communications. If you would like to discuss you communications needs, please email or call us. Have a cracking Easter.
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