Thursday, May 19, 2011

Really Stupid Greenwash: Budweiser's grow a beard, save water campaign

We use 1,500 gallons of water  to make 
one 32 gallon barrel of beer!
The American beer company Anheuser-Busch, makers of Budweiser, is urging American men to grow a beard between now and World Environmental Day on June 5. According to Budweiser, the average American man uses 5 gallons (almost 20 litres) of water each time he shaves. They estimate that their 'grow a beard campaign' can save a million gallons of water.


I first heard of this campaign as an advertisement on Onion News Network. A husky American guy was out fishing in a motor powered boat, urging men to stop shaving. I thought it was a joke, but it's not--you can read about it here.  You can pledge your support on the Budweiser facebook page.


This is the worst kind of green wash, because it makes people believe they are doing something, when they are not. Sure we need to save water. And yes, shaving does require water. But so do a lot of things in life that we do every day. Why not stop doing them? 


When he heard of this campaign, my 11 year old sun suggested that American men give up bathing and washing their clothes from now until June 5. That would be smelly, but it would certainly save more water than not shaving. Alternatively, since it takes a huge amount of water to grow and process food, American men could give up eating potato chips for the next few weeks--that would be healthier--and I'll bet it would save a lot of water. Really committed men could simply go on a three week fast. (Sorry, but you'll die if you actually stop drinking water, so I don't recommend that, though it would save a lot of water...). 


The problem is that real change--the kind of change the planet needs--will require more than feel good symbolic steps. We need to change the way we live--every day. Shave, if you want, but don't use 19 litres of water when you do it--simply turn off the tap between strokes. Take a bucket bath. Use the water you rinse your clothes with to wash the next load--that kind of thing. 


Even more important, we need to make some big changes in things that we don't often think about when we think about water. Like the food we eat. Long grain rice, for example, uses much, much more water than traditional millets. Actually, wheat uses a lot of water also. Far more water is used by food production than by toilets and bathing. And then you have our modern consumer society. Those blue jeans you are wearing? They took 6800 litres to make; an automobile takes nearly 1,50,000 litres to produce! (Figures at Treehugger; use this site to convert gallons to litres).


The purveyors of greenwash don't want you to change the things that matter, because that would mean you might consume less. They know many people around the world are profoundly worried about the way things are going. They want to help ease our minds; otherwise we might use our minds to figure out a new way to live.


By the way: the makers of Budweiser beer know that a 32 gallon barrel of beer takes 1,500 gallons of water to make (see that Treehugger link for the details). In other words, if you give up one 330 ml Budweiser, so save 15 litres of water--or just about 4 gallons, which is almost as much as you'll save by not shaving. And if you forgo a big 650 ml bottle of beer, well, you've practically saved the world!

43 comments:

  1. Ray Banの不動のナンバーワンシリーズ、ウェイファーラーを購入したいと思います。数多くのレイバン モデルの中で、最近一番人気あるのがそのウェイファーラーと言われています。給料を貰ったら、早速レイバン RB4105を購入しますので、また報告します!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Old post, but I just discovered your blog so I thought I'd comment anyway. I am also so frustrated when these ad campaigns come out promoting all sorts of nonsense. The worst I've found are ads on "eco-friendly" tissues. What exactly is eco-friendly about a one-use product like tissue? Just use cloth, which is re-usable. Or water if you're talking about the bathroom.

    Really enjoying your blog btw. - BBD-Lite

    ReplyDelete
  3. Appropriate a great way of Being Introduced to this topic Really Stupid Greenwash: Budweiser's grow a beard, save water campaign material. It was great catching up is this? be grateful you gently for the conclusion,

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Send special Gifts at lowest price to all over in Japan to show your best concern towards your beloved mother. Online stores will help you to get connected with them on their special day and help you to see the glow on their beautiful faces. Send Online Mother’s Day Gifts to Japan to your loving mom at reasonable price.Please visit us www.thejapanflorist.com/Mothersday.asp

    ReplyDelete
  6. On the auspicious eve of Rakhi make wishes for long life of your brothers along with some send lovely gifts which make the day special for the person whose presence makes every moment worth living. Send Rakhi Gifts to UK and show your warm love.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This blog made me laugh, I think it is a great idea for them to save water as it will also raise awareness. It is good to keep your beard looking good by cleaning correctly, this is something which beyondbeards.com would like reading.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Budweiser ads are really fantastic! I hope they can make a good ad out of horse shampoo for humans.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Save water campaign - it is a good thought and we are happy to know about America's movement to save water. Hope their plans can make drastic changes in their life style and it helps to save water and environment.

    http://buydissertationonline.bravesites.com/

    http://buydissertationonline.inube.com/blog/4949077/how-to-get-best-writing-tips-from-dissertation-writing-service-uk/

    http://buydissertationonline.soup.io/

    http://essaywritingserviceusa.tumblr.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. Next, do the very same over the opposite side of your face. At the point when both sides are finished, move to the hair around the button range. dandruff in beard

    ReplyDelete
  11. Whiskers oil is a cream that is outlined particularly for the prepping of facial hair. best beard oil

    ReplyDelete
  12. The blog works were so decent, I wished they never finished.
    bossman

    ReplyDelete
  13. Don't despair if you make a mistake trimming your beard! Simply let the area grow out without shaving and it will soon fill in again. Primitive Outpost

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. Beard growth oil

    ReplyDelete
  16. Men need to have a special nose hair clipper available because the eyebrow plucker will uproot the hair in the sensitive nose lining, breaking the skin, which can lead to infection. Of course, it's much more painful to do with an eyebrow plucker too! best trimmer in india under 1000

    ReplyDelete
  17. This implies setting aside the effort to get a truly close shave and not hurrying through it as a very late suspected. best electric shaver india

    ReplyDelete
  18. They weigh about twice as much as the Li-Ion batteries yet just have a large portion of the power. best trimmer for men in india

    ReplyDelete
  19. For homeowners blade lengths are between 16 and 24 inches long for the best balance and weight. However, longer blades allow you to cut wider hedges in one pass. Good quality trimmers will have blades that stop quickly after letting go of the handle as a way to avoid injury.philips bg1025/15 showerproof body groomer for men

    ReplyDelete
  20. A good blog always comes-up with new and exciting information and while reading I have feel that this blog is really have all those quality that qualify a blog to be a one Calculating Grow Light Efficiency

    ReplyDelete
  21. it's really cool blog. Linking is very useful thing.you have really helped Calculating Grow Light Efficiency

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more ... good luck. Grow Light Calculator

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more ... good luck. Grow Light Metrics Primer

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more ... good luck. Grow Light Guide

    ReplyDelete
  25. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more ... good luck. Mammoth 10 Bar Field Test

    ReplyDelete
  26. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more ... good luck. Bavagreen 240w With UV R IR

    ReplyDelete
  27. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more ... good luck. Mars Hydro TS 1031

    ReplyDelete
  28. Are you considering opening a medical marijuana dispensary in California? Medical marijuana is legal in almost 14 states in US including California and a large number of people today are resorting to this substance as a means of recovering from their medical conditions. Physicians believe that marijuana contains healing properties and can help people suffering from debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, persistent muscle spasms, glaucoma, seizures, AIDS, etc. legit online dispensary shipping worldwide

    ReplyDelete
  29. This article helps past, current, and future prospective patients in Washington State, choose the right clinic for their authorization. Please avoid getting your authorization from a dispensary, or a clinic that exists solely for giving authorizations. These kind of operations will soon be illegal. This article shows why. Buy Lucky Carts

    ReplyDelete
  30. Pussy888 แหล่งเก็บเกมส์การพนัน ศูนย์สะสมความเพลิดเพลิน
    pussy888 ในขณะนี้พวกเราสามารถร่วมเล่นเกมส์การพนันได้ง่ายดายมากยิ่งขึ้น เล่นเกมส์การพนันpussy888ผ่านโทรศัพท์เคลื่อนที่ ไม่จำเป็นที่ต้องเดินทางไปยังต่างชาติให้มันยุ่งยากอีกต่อไป เล่นเกมส์การพนันpussy888กับเว็บ Pussy888 เล่นเกมส์การพนันกับเว็บของพวกเรา ร่วมสนุกสนานกับเกมการพนัน เล่นเกมส์การพนันกับเว็บpussy888ที่ได้เงินจริง เล่นเกมส์การพนันกับผู้ให้บริการเกมการพนันที่มีคุณภาพ ด้วยเหตุดังกล่าว สมัครเลยเดี๋ยวนี้เล่นเกมส์การพนันกับเว็บของพวกเรา เล่นpussy888 สร้างรายได้พิเศษจากการเล่นเกมส์การพนันกับเว็บไซต์pussy888ที่ดีเยี่ยมที่สุด
    pussy888ได้เงินจริง เล่นเกมส์การพนัน Pussy888
    ร่วมเล่นเกมส์การพนันกับเว็บpussy888ของพวกเรา เล่นเกมส์การพนันกับผู้ให้บริการเกมการพนันออนไลน์ได้เงินจริง เล่นเกมส์การพนันกับเว็บpussy888ที่มีคุณภาพ เว็บของพวกเราได้เก็บเกมส์การพนันมากมายก่ายกองมาเปิดให้บริการกับลูกค้าทุกคนที่เข้ามาร่วมเล่นเกมส์การพนัน เล่นเกมส์การพนันออนไลน์ผ่านโทรศัพท์เคลื่อนที่ เพียงพวกเรามีโทรศัพท์เคลื่อนที่เครื่องเดียว พวกเราสามารถทำเงินจากการเล่นเกมส์การพนันออนไลน์ได้ Pussy888 เล่นเกมส์การพนันออนไลน์เยอะแยะกับเว็บของพวกเรา เล่นเกมส์การพนันออนไลน์กับผู้ให้บริการเกมการพนันออนไลน์ที่ดีเยี่ยมที่สุด
    เล่นเกมส์การพนันกับเว็บที่มีงานบริการครบทุกต้นแบบ เกี่ยวกับการพนันเกมpussy888 เล่นเกมส์การพนันออนไลน์กับเว็บpussy888ชั้น 1 พวกเราเป็นเว็บpussy888ชั้น 1 ตลอดระยะเวลาที่เปิดให้บริการเกมส์การพนัน พวกเราเป็นเว็บpussy888ชั้น 1 ในการให้บริการเกมส์การพนันpussy888 แล้วก็ที่สำคัญ เว็บของพวกเราเป็นเว็บpussy888ที่เปิดให้บริการมานานมาก พวกเราเป็นเว็บpussy888ที่มีมาตรฐาน สูง พวกเราเป็นผู้ให้บริการเกมการพนันpussy888ที่มาพร้อมทั้งเกมการพนันทุกต้นแบบ เปิดให้บริการกับลูกค้าทุกคนที่เข้ามาร่วมเล่นเกมการพนันออนไลน์ เล่นเกมส์การพนันกับเว็บของพวกเราได้อย่างง่ายดายสมัครเลยช่วงนี้เล่นเกมส์การพนันกับเว็บไซต์pussy888ที่ยอดเยี่ยม
    pussy888ชั้น 1 ตลอดระยะเวลาที่เปิดให้บริการ
    สำหรับเพื่อการร่วมเล่นเกมส์การพนันpussy888ในทุกวันนี้ ในช่วงเวลานี้แต่ก่อนสิโนออนไลน์มีมากเปิดให้บริการ pussy888ใหม่ๆเปิดให้บริการมากมายก่ายกอง ซึ่งการที่พวกเราจะเข้าร่วมเล่นเกมส์การพนันคาสิโน พวกเราก็จำต้องเล่นเกมส์การพนันออนไลน์กับเว็บpussy888ที่มีคุณภาพ พวกเราจะต้องเลิกเล่นเกมส์การพนันกับเว็บpussy888ที่มีมาตรฐาน รวมทั้งเป็นเว็บไซต์pussy888ที่มีความน่าวางใจ ด้วยเหตุดังกล่าว สมัครร่วมเล่นเกมส์การพนันกับเว็บของพวกเรา เล่นเกมส์การพนันpussy888ได้เลยในขณะนี้
    สัมผัสกับประสบการณ์ที่สุดยอดเกี่ยวกับการเล่นเกมส์การพนัน Pussy888 ผู้ให้บริการเกมการพนันออนไลน์ เว็บpussy888ที่มาพร้อมด้วยเกมการพนันทุกต้นแบบ เว็บpussy888ที่มาพร้อมทั้งเกมการพนันที่มีคุณภาพ สมัครเลยเวลานี้เล่นเกมส์การพนันกับเว็บของพวกเรา สมัครเลยช่วงนี้เล่นเกมส์การพนันกับผู้ให้บริการเกมการพนันออนไลน์ที่ยอดเยี่ยม

    918kiss
    สล็อต
    บาคาร่า

    Pussy888

    ReplyDelete
  31. Embarking on the road of refitting without the valuable assistance of carefully designed pharmacy equipment can spell problems. In particular it is very important that the working environment of the dispensary operates ergonomically with correctly placed working and storage levels. Employing the right design and fitting partner is a critical element in achieving an effective refit or new premises installation. Buy STIIIZY Pods

    ReplyDelete
  32. A good place to start a discussion like this would be by trying to get an understanding of what a weed killer is. A person who has been involved in plant care will find such an exploration on what a weed destroyer is to be superfluous, as it would be obvious to him or her what it is. Weed for sale

    ReplyDelete
  33. Nice reading with some exclusive tips! I have pleased to read the entirety of the post as mentioned above in detail. Did you check organic beard oil? Let us know your opinion. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have read your article, it is very informative and helpful for me.I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it..life care primary medical

    ReplyDelete
  35. The best web site for getting information about trimmer Trimmer

    ReplyDelete
  36. Several Indian hair-dressers are going abroad to bring in new techniques and styles. They have an art in their hands to give a stunning and completely different look. philips hair trimmer for men

    ReplyDelete
  37. Depending on the type of cleaning you need to do, the cleaning products are designed accordingly. Whenever it comes to cleaning, utilizing the goods designed for the specific purpose would give better results. In addition to this, using the cleaning products depending on the mess would give better results. As the stores are filled with numerous cleaning products, it become confusing for a person to select the appropriate one for use, therefore, it is advised to select the products online as detailed information about products is available along with which one can even know which cleaning product has to be used for which purpose. recommended cleaning reads

    ReplyDelete
  38. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more. good luck whatsapp mod

    ReplyDelete
  39. Cleaning is one of the upkeep processes that's almost impossible to undervalue. No customer or business associate would take seriously a company with a dirty or poorly-cleaned office; presentation is often the difference between failure and success. Although every cleaning business offers their own set of cleaning services, there are a few common service areas worth discussing. Carpet Cleaners Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  40. Money savings can come for those seeking health care coverage. The effort to shop for low cost health insurance will most likely produce results that will save you some much needed money. This type of shopping may not sound like a wonderful way to spend your free time, but it doesn't have to be as bad as you may believe. Online resources can speed up the process while possibly finding you better coverage at a more affordable price. This article, and others like it, is also available to help you save some cash on a necessary expense. wholesale CBD flower

    ReplyDelete
  41. We should always remember about preventive measures - the most important moment of carpet cleaning procedure that can help to avoid our lovely flooring to be a mop. It is necessary to consult the specialists, be interested in cleaning methods, materials, and preventive terms. Click to learn more about Cleaning Hero

    ReplyDelete
  42. Most professional carpet cleaning companies carry out different types of cleaning tips or methods to match different circumstances. The most popular carpet cleaning methods used in the industry. home cleaning

    ReplyDelete

What do you think?