Latest news with #BelindaNoble
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Watchdog group slams major corporation for misleading consumers about hazardous home appliances: 'Tricky claims using tricky information'
The Australian Gas Infrastructure Group spread harmful misinformation, claiming that gas-powered stoves were cheaper and more sustainable than electric stovetops. According to an article by Renew Economy, the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) was found to be greenwashing by Australia's advertising regulators. The AGIG posted an advert comparing stovetops to social media, with gas-powered stoves made out to be the greenest choice. The company "owns two of Victoria's three gas networks and several in other states," Renew Economy mentioned, highlighting its interest in promoting gas-powered goods, even if it is at the detriment of the environment. Australia's Ad Standards Community Panel declared that the advert broke three sections of the Environmental Claims Code. They claimed it was "misleading or deceptive, overstated its claims, and could not be verified or substantiated by an average viewer." Companies know that there is a trend toward more conscious consumption. In trying to appeal to an ethical shopper, many big brands use greenwashing tactics to appear more sustainable than they are. As a consumer, this can be misleading and frustrating, making it difficult to do the right thing despite having good intentions. In reality, gas stoves can be dangerous, expensive, and harmful to the environment. In comparison, induction stoves are an easy and affordable solution to avoid the dangers of gas stoves. With the Inflation Reduction Act, consumers can get up to $840 off the cost of an induction range, sweetening the deal even more. Induction stoves sometimes get a bad rep for taking a long time to heat up, but they tend to cook faster than gas-powered stoves and are more cost-efficient. If you're not in the market for a major kitchen renovation, or perhaps are renting and can't change your space too drastically, plug-in induction burners are a great option. With some options starting at just $50, they're a great way to reduce the harms of gas stoves without breaking the bank. Belinda Noble, founder of Comms Declare, a climate advocacy group, said the advertising regulator's ruling would "hopefully put an end to tricky claims using tricky information." She also commented on AGIG's desire to promote gas products despite the harm they cause, saying: "This is all about keeping gas in the home and giving people an excuse to keep gas despite the overwhelming evidence that it's bad for the climate." Do you think gas stoves should be banned nationwide? No way Let each state decide I'm not sure Definitely Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
West Australian
01-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Federal election 2025: Labor, Liberals outspend Clive Palmer on digital ads as TV and radio blackout begins
Labor have outspent both their Liberal rivals and notorious big election spender Clive Palmer on digital advertising on some social media platforms during this year's campaign, data shows. According to an analysis of political digital advertising across Google and Meta platforms, Labor have spent $9.1 million on advertising between January 26 and April 25. The total just eclipses the Liberal party who spent $8.9 million, with their Coalition partners the Nationals spending $433,000. Both parties easily surpassed Clive Palmer whose Trumpet of Patriots party spent $6.6 million on advertisements on the platforms. In addition to those figures, the governing party spent nearly $700,000 on ads on Sunday alone, nearly $350,000 more than each of the Liberal party and Trumpet of Patriots. International political advertising tracking website WhoTargetsMe calculated $36 million has been spent by all parties in the time frame. According to the data, Independents have spent a combined $5.2m while the Greens have spent $1.1m and One Nation just $27,000. Third party groups have spent a whopping $5.8m on the election campaign with groups such as unions, the conservative Advance Australia and pro-climate pages like Hothouse Magazine the biggest spenders. Digital advertising becomes even more valuable in the final week as traditional advertising methods such as TV and radio go into the blackout period for three days before the election. Climate communications advocacy group Comms Declare founder Belinda Noble said the online spend was relentless. 'While the major parties are spending the most on ads, third parties and front groups are playing a huge role in trying to persuade voters, often with misleading information, hidden agendas and deep pockets,' she said. 'Information trench warfare is underway in marginal seats and new astroturfing groups are still being created on Facebook, days out from the election. 'The spending data we found is only the tip of the iceberg but gives an important indicator about the overall trend.' The 2025 election is also set to be the final Federal poll without a cap on how much entities can donate. Legislation passed by Labor with Coalition support in February will see revamped rules on donation limits and disclosure rules form next year. The new rules mean a person or entity can only donate a maximum of $50,000 to a single recipient in a calendar year. Donors can still give the maximum $50,000 to multiple recipients although there is a $250,000 limit per State or Territory and $1.6 million overall cap. The minimum disclosure threshold has also been reduced to $5000.
