I look forward to the first time the scant but sufficient body of regulations and legislation that protects the American public from the scourge of false advertising is used to haul a greenwasher through the court of public opinion. My guess is that if this could be done in a high profile way, one case would be enough to put an end to this repulsive, damaging practice.

One candidate would be Vail Resorts, which despite the precedent set by Auden Schendler and Aspen/Snowmass, has refused appeals to represent their forays into the REC market responsibly. The proof that they are misleading people can be seen in the testimonials they posted on their own website of confused patrons congratulating them for purchasing 100% wind power.

There is no small amount of irony here, the ski world is the victim and the perpetrator of climate crimes. Megatons of coal burned to make snow, etc.

Even if no real lawsuit were to be filed, it would make for a great episode of Boston Legal. Alan Shore comes down with a case of word salad when confronted with the no nonsense snow bunnies from Vail’s public relations department and Denny Crane has to win the case all by himself, which would not be hard to do.

Auden, where is Schendler Sessions – Part Trois?

Something about truth in advertising…