I first discovered this new ad campaign in a commerical on tv. It featured shots of piles of trash being cleaned up by people with Sun Chips bags. The message being that Sun Chips now has a biodegradeable bag. I was immediately skeptical. First of all, it seems that the commercial may incite people to litter the bag. ("it says its biodegradeable!") Also, the commercial seemed like the prototypical greenwash, where the company claims to be environmentally friendly when their products are in reality part of a industrial megamachine that is systematically devouring the natural world.
This advertisement is an extension of Sun Chips tv commericals. It shows a background of what looks like young people jumping off of a cliff into water. Front and in focus is an attractive, motherly woman smiling at her little Sun Chip. The caption says, "There ar emany ways to help save the planet. Harvest cheddar is one." This is an immediate red flag. Bottom line is that this advertisement is a marketing ploy, not a driver for social movement.
First of all, it is very vague. Help save the planet, how?
There is a hidden tradeoff here. I feel like people will be influenced to buy this product and think to themselves, "oh I did my part, I buy Sun Chips." This is a clear mistake. Sun Chips, like all other processed salty junk food, have hidden trade offs. Their corporation (Frito-Lay) is a large contributor and supporter of big agribusiness. Big agribusiness is arguably at the heart of all environmental issues, not to mention the social issues and health liabilities from eating junky processed foods.
My last thought is that it is the lesser of several evils. At least it is one step in the right direction. Sun Chips is after that niche market. So, I guess, if I am going to buy chips, I'll keep the biodegradeable Sun Chips bag in mind. But, the best thing to do for my health and the health of the planet is to support local, organic foods.
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