Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Laws & RegulationsLinks to an external site. webpage. Use the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyLinks to an external site. website to find one environmental law that is relevant to your past, current, or future employer. Then address the following questions:
- Describe the law and explain how it applies (or applied) to the business of the employer.
- Explain how the employer legally complies with the statute or regulations.
- Discuss if you believe that environmental regulations help or hinder business. Explain your position.
UAGC | BUS670 | Week 06 | The Federal Trade Commission
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Welcome to BUS 670, week six– the Federal Trade Commission. This week, your first discussion assignment will involve an analysis of environmental marketing practices. This type of business activity is regulated by administrative law under the Federal Trade Commission or FTC.
The general mission of this agency is to keep the US economy fair and free. To support this objective, the FTC is empowered to prevent unfair methods of competition as well as unfair or deceptive acts or practices. These broad powers allow it to regulate a wide range of business activities, including competition reduction or monopolies, price fixing, telemarketing, internet tracking, product warranties, consumer credit, debt collection, product safety.
The FTC also regulates deceptive advertising or business practices. To be considered deceptive, the activity must involve a material misrepresentation, omission, or practice that is likely to mislead a consumer who acts reasonably under the circumstances. It should be noted that in the US, statements of opinion, sales talk, or puffing, and statements that consumers can easily evaluate for themselves are not considered deceptive.
In the first discussion assignment this week, you are asked to address the issue of greenwashing, which is the marketing practice of making false or misleading statements about the environmental benefits of a product. Basically, companies are taking advantage of consumers who are concerned about the environment, which has become more of a concern in recent years.
However, if the positive environmental claims can be supported through research and evidence, then the marketing approach is valid, and there is no misrepresentation. Greenwashing and other misleading environmental claims can be difficult to identify. Therefore, the FTC website has a section on environmental marketing, which includes Green Guides. These provide guidance to both consumers and business organizations.
I hope you find this information useful in developing your first discussion assignment this week. Stay informed and make a difference.
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