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Greenwashing tobacco—attempts to eco-label a killer product

Author

Listed:
  • Frank Houghton

    (Limerick Institute of Technology)

  • Sharon Houghton

    (University of Limerick)

  • Diane O’Doherty

    (University of Limerick)

  • Derek McInerney

    (Limerick Institute of Technology)

  • Bruce Duncan

    (Hauora Tairawhiti)

Abstract

The European Union currently prohibits the use of eco-labelling on tobacco products. Although “Big Tobacco” has overtly embraced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it would be naïve not to view this move as anything other than an attempt to hide a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The history of deceit and malpractice that typifies the global tobacco industry speaks for itself. Cigarettes are not simply another product. Tobacco-related illness kills one in two of its users. The global death toll from tobacco will soon be eight million annually. In light of these practitioners in the fields of life cycle assessment (LCA) and social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) should not cooperate with moves to “greenwash” this deadly product.

Suggested Citation

  • Frank Houghton & Sharon Houghton & Diane O’Doherty & Derek McInerney & Bruce Duncan, 2019. "Greenwashing tobacco—attempts to eco-label a killer product," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 9(1), pages 82-85, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:9:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1007_s13412-018-0528-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-018-0528-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Béatrice Parguel & Florence Benoît-Moreau & Fabrice Larceneux, 2011. "How Sustainability Ratings Might Deter ‘Greenwashing’: A Closer Look at Ethical Corporate Communication," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 102(1), pages 15-28, August.
    2. Rex Dalton, 2003. "Academics fume as university refuses to reject tobacco dollars," Nature, Nature, vol. 422(6930), pages 361-361, March.
    3. Brandt, A.M., 2012. "Inventing conflicts of interest: A history of Tobacco industry tactics," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(1), pages 63-71.
    4. WHO World Health Organization, 2013. "Who Report On The Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013," University of California at San Francisco, Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education qt5t06910t, Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, UC San Francisco.
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    6. Teisl, Mario F. & Roe, Brian & Hicks, Robert L., 2002. "Can Eco-Labels Tune a Market? Evidence from Dolphin-Safe Labeling," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 43(3), pages 339-359, May.
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