Last updated: 6 December 2009
The Consumers International (CI) Bad Company Awards highlight irresponsible behaviour by some of the world’s leading brands, drawing attention to notable consumer rights issues over the past 12 months.
To mark CI’s action around the crucial climate change talks in Copenhagen, the 2009 Awards focus entirely on corporate greenwashing.
The 2009 winners
Download the complete briefing on the Bad Company Award winners as a pdf.
The four Bad Company Award winners in 2009 are:
Audi
For a far-reaching TV and Internet advertising campaign that appeared to claim that its Audi A3 TDI could be run on ‘clean diesel’ and was as friendly to the environment as cycling or catching the bus.
BP
For publically talking about its commitment to renewable energy but quietly pulling out of several major renewable projects, while continuing to invest heavily in fossil fuels.
easyJet
For persistently making dubious claims that flying with easyJet is not as bad for the environment as driving a hybrid car
Microsoft
For advertising its new ‘green’ version of Windows with a widespread campaign, but encouraging consumers to increase their carbon footprint by buying a new computer.
And a special award goes to:
'CO2 is Green'
A new organisation backed by several key players in the US fossil fuel industry, claiming that increasing levels of CO2 are good for the environment.
Did CI get it right? Who would you have chosen? Leave your comments on the CI blog.
Why greenwash?
Greenwash (a combination of ‘green’ and ‘whitewash’) is a term used to describe the practice of companies spinning their products and policies as environmentally friendly. This challenges the core consumer right to be informed and raises doubt over issues of trust, responsibility and accountability.
Together with our member organisations we fully support the genuine efforts of corporations to go green and seek out sustainable alternatives to carbon intensive business practices. We are, however, highly critical of any attempt to overstate the impact of such green initiatives in an attempt to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
It seems that many of the world’s biggest green house gas emitters think they can cover up their dirty tracks by trumpeting minor ‘green’ schemes through glossy PR and advertising. Not only can this mislead consumers, it often encourages them to spend money unnecessarily.
Greenwashing simply erodes consumer trust in businesses and undermines genuine moves towards greener lifestyles. In such a situation everybody loses.
Previous years
See which brands were winners of the CI Bad Company Awards in 2008.
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