The public fraud of unaudited and purposely misleading Green certification will certainly run ashore in the near future. Some enterprising investigative reporter will start turning over rocks and exposing the hidden truths that the creature beneath will not enjoy. The only question that will arise after the explosion of truth in the news media will be how quickly the programmer can get that badge of shame off the website.
Scams exist everywhere. Some cause small embarrassments that we can laugh off as mild stupidity, and others are decisions in life that we strongly regret once rude enlightenment comes home to roost. It is certain that “unaudited audits” will prove to be a lapse in good judgment, even though the price was affordable and the process seemed easy.
Local projects offering free Green business programs depend on either good will volunteers, funding from an unpredictable source, or the involvement of those who have something to sell to others in the program. We have all had the unpleasant experience of promises made, but the later frustration of calling a number that is no longer connected.
By R. Michael Richmond
R. Michael Richmond, is the Director of Development for the Green Business League (http://www.greenbusinessleague.com/) and an avid proponent of Green and sustainable business programs.The Green Business League offers a national certification for Green business that has been broadly received as a leading standard for environmental compliance.
