Sustainability is defined as "an integrated approach addressing the impact of the building on the environment over its life cycle and eventual reuse.  It meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs."  Green is more commonly associated with the 3 Rs - reduce, recycle, reuse. 

The Federal Trade Commission published the first edition of the Environmental Guide ("FTC Green Guides") long before green was the trend.  The Green Guides require that the manufacturer clearly state the environmental benefits and characteristics and how they are achieved.  Pictures and descriptive terms must be meaningful.  The FTC is currently in the process of being updated to stem greenwashing.

Greenwashing is a take off of white washing.  Greenwashing plays to our desires enticing us to buy without question.  By promoting a "green product," manufacturers are appealing to our desire to do the right thing environmentally knowing that the average consumer does not fully understand what "green" is.  Seldom is there readily available supporting data to back up the claims of green.

Using "green" products is fashionable.  In fact, it's hard to find a product that doesn't make some sort of  "green" claim.  It makes consumers feel like they have contributed to the "green" movement.