No, really!

Yesterday's blog brought up another valid point - companies that would have you think they are interested in the environment instead of their bottom line.

We've all seen it.  Hotels/motels that hang the sign "Help us save energy and water resources by only replacing the towels you need", followed by "throw the towels you need replaced onto the floor, and hang the rest" or something to that effect.

What they are really saying is "Help us save money on our utility bills.  Stop making us wash ALL of your towels!  Just because you dried your hands on it once doesn't mean it needs to be washed!"

From the looks of some of the seedier motels we've seen, true energy/environment conservation is the least of their concerns.

Just yesterday I saw a sign on a gas station pump attempting to sell their customers a reusable travel coffee mug, stating that the mug is "Earth Friendly", and that "By using a reusable mug for your beverage, you help reduce waste and save our environment".  While this is true, their real intentions are centered around the $2.49 they get to charge for the mug.  If they really wanted to save the environment and reduce waste, wouldn't they give the mug away or at least charge less for it, say $0.99?  I mean, they are saving money if you buy the mug by not having to provide you with disposable cups and lids, and in some cases sleeves, every time you purchase a drink from them, so why do they charge us for the mug at all?

These companies are using the environment as an excuse to save themselves some money, pure and simple.  Not only is this practice unethical, but it makes it hard to see the companies and organizations that really are trying to help.