A new ad video from Clorox Green Works (see it below) sparked some great conversations on Facebook recently. Some green moms are feeling attacked by the video because they feel it makes our concern for environmental issues seem more than a little nutty. Others commented that it simply highlights yet another high standard that moms must live up to or they will be made to feel that they are not good enough. I think all points were valid and there is no denying that the video is a bit condescending and ripe with implications that women are using sustainability and green parenting to further their elitist views of themselves.
Yet for me personally, when watching this ad I couldn’t help but smile and laugh. I DO believe that you don’t have to go to extremes or ‘be ridiculous’ to take one of their terms, to be green. The message is valid. I also think that we greenies can go into territory seen by others, and even ourselves, as a little nutty. Sometimes I think it becomes a game and we want to see just how far we can take it. There is nothing wrong with that I just hope that we are not also trying to make others feel guilty when they can’t or won’t do as we do. It is totally okay to care about these issues but perhaps not so good overall if I come off like these women do.
I get comments all the time about how nasty it is to use a DivaCup or cloth instead of toilet paper. I just have to remember that once upon a time I probably would have felt the same way. Maybe someday the naysayers will join me and maybe they won’t but my judgement will only push them further in the opposite direction. I have to believe that when they know better they will do better and everyone is entitled to the journey. Some folks will leap into a greener lifestyle and others will need to take baby steps. The product being touted in this ad is also appropriate for baby steps. It wouldn’t be my choice but I would rather someone buy Green Works before they buy some of other products out there.
You don’t have to be obnoxious to be green but if you must then I feel you should at least be able to laugh at yourself.
What do YOU think about this ad??
Also be sure to check out this article written by another green mom about this video ad: Is “Being Green” The New Battle In The “Mommy Wars”?
Not going to lie I was offended at first. I made J.P watch the ad last night, and he was laughing (more than once), and said if I can’t laugh at myself than I am not having fun, and should take a joke. He said, but you are extreme! and laughed again. He particular liked it when the women was asking all the questions about the fish because I have done that countless times. I guess, I need to lighten up a little bit? I think, I am on the fence. ;)
The fish part was a bad example of extreme IMO, there was nothing wrong with asking those questions. The parts where they eat the body lotion or razz on the one gal because the clothing is 2% unorganic material were the funniest parts for me.
In general I think we greenies forget to laugh at ourselves. We just get so passionate about it that we rile too easily. I don’t want being green to give me premature wrinkles. ;)
putting aside the fact that I am slightly offended by the ad, it is a really dumb ad anyway.
I’m sorry you get negative comments about your diva cup and cloth toilet paper. I used them both too and find myself feeling cleaner than previously. There is nothing dirty about it if it’s done right.
I actually got the Diva cup after reading your blog post on it. I knew it was an area I wanted to change but didn’t know where to turn for advice. And I found you. So thank you!!
That’s great Sophie! I hope you are liking it. I wouldn’t trade mine for anything. :)
I think it’s kinda funny, and clever. Still not going to make me buy clorox, but harmless personally.
LOL. Yes, same here. ;)
I’m with you, Tiffany! I don’t like the idea of discounting a green lifestyle but I have to take it with a grain of salt. I do feel judged by other green folks sometimes, so I totally get that. But overall, it’s up to me to keep setting a good example to the best of my ability and educating people, so that’s what I’ll keep doing regardless of what Clorox (AHAHAHAHAHA, btw) thinks.
I like that quote going around on Facebook from Captain Jack Sparrow. :) Something like “The problem is not the problem, your attitude about the problem is the problem”. Gotta keep smiling and be positive, it benefits everyone.
Could it be that Clorox knows it sells dangerous products to consumers, and is just trying to make the other side look stupid so it will not seem to be the bad guy? We are damaging our planet, and making fun of those of us who care and want to make things better is not smart. But business is business, and profits are more important to them than a healthy planet.
All great points…
I laugh at myself daily about ‘how did I get here?’ I never would have thought I would question the food industry, medical community, vaccination schedule or vaccines in general, cosmetic industry or even my drs motives. I feel smarter, more informed and healthier due to my questioning and research, but at the same time realize what I think, do and find important is based on what I want for my family. My expectations of friends and family are not to conform to my level of crazy. Thank you for the laugh and great information.
I like to reflect back on how I got this point too.
Hahah I feel like this is how my family and some friends see me as being. But really, who does Clorox think they’re fooling?
Loved the reclaimed shoe adage. I will have to use that some time. I thought it was funny myself.
They had me at reclaimed leather and Lance Bass? Really? I totally agree about baby steps. We were once there too. And I can’t fault people for not being as green as I am because I’m pale compared to others. I guess this ad worked since we are talking about it so much, eh? But will it sell more Green Works? Who knows.
As soon as I heard “Bass” I was thinking Chuck Bass. It would have been much better if they had gotten the swoon worthy actor who plays him (Ed Westwick) to be in the commercial. I might have even have been convinced to buy Green Works!! ;)
As with anything, the best way to get change out of people is to model the behavior you want them to emulate. Arguing with them or belittling them is only going to result in alienating them and making them more intractable in their position (no matter how wrong you may perceive it to be) Good post
I’ll admit it: I really, really hate the ads–they made me cringe. I agree with the main point that as environmentalists, there is a tendency to be judgmental about others who are “less green” but it works both ways. Honestly, I wish everybody would just “live and let live.”
I have found that people are either interested in environmentalism to some degree or they’re very decidedly NOT, and there’s very little wiggle-room before it seems preachy to the latter category. If people are indeed interested in being green, there are many different shades of green–I wrote about this topic at my own blog–here is the link, in case you’re interested:
http://www.joyfullygreen.com/2012/12/the-many-shades-of-green.html
Anyway, I’m glad to have just found your blog through a link at Lori’s groovygreenlivin blog. I’ll be subscribing to stay in touch!
People who know me best, know that I have chosen this lifestyle for a reason. I do not push it down their throats. They can do what they want. I feel like commercials like this are making those of us who want to make a difference in our lives and those around us look ridiculous. I laugh at myself all the time (and secretly know I’m right about a handful of things I do around my home!) and can see the extremes on this commercial. I just wish it wasn’t Clorox pushing something that really isn’t “green”, but chalk full of chemicals like the rest of their products.
I wish it could have been funnier. I have seen much funnier spoof videos on youtube, made by regular people. Just check out any of the Shit____ People say videos.