What’s in a Label? – Part Deux

And speaking of labels – The New York Times reported yesterday on the ever-increasing “greenwashing” of labels on grocery products – where even cheese puffs have an organic counterpart with a design aesthetic to match. As organic and “natural” food becomes more popular, companies are trying to cash in on the $25 billion market through packaging design which signals “farm fresh”, “organic”, or “natural”. With images of farms, fields, fruits and vegetables, natural colors (brown and green are good), consumers might feel that the homework has been done for them. But as the Times points out – products aren’t necessarily organic or sustainable – and could be simply “organic-ish”. What’s the message here? Know your farmer, and read your labels!