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V O L . X X X I N O. X V I J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 2 5 8 B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S N E W S F RO M A RO U N D T H E S TAT E Point32Health Foundation to support community-led approaches, improve conditions for older adults and help build thriving communities for all ages. MDI Bio Lab will add endowed faculty chair An anonymous donation of $2 million allows Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, a nonprofit hub for the science of aging and regeneration in Bar Harbor, to establish its first endowed faculty chair. e George Wojtech Chair in Neurobiology is named for a New Jersey resident who battled with amyotrophic lateral scle- rosis, or ALS. Establishing endowed faculty positions provides stable, long-term funding needed to attract and retain scientists and accelerate discoveries, Hermann Haller, the lab's president. DREAMHOMEDREAMLOAN Buying, refinancing, or upgrading? Empeople's market-leading rates and personalized service make it easy. Let's get started! Check out our mortgage and equity rates CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TESTING AND INSPECTIONS • Soils, asphalt, concrete, masonry, fireproofing, and steel: Reduce potential delays, defects, and unexpected costs. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING • Soil and groundwater characterization, landfill monitoring, and site assessments GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND EXPLORATIONS • You see what's on top, we'll show you what's below. RWGILLESPIE.COM / INFO@RWG-A.COM BIDDEFORD, ME 207-286-8008 • NH 603-427-0244 • MA 508-623-0101 A S K AC E A n s w e r e d b y C a r r i e G r e e n Y a r d l e y , Y a r d l e y E s q . P L L C The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a nonprofit association of independent consultants who value "success through collaboration." The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com. Q: What is greenwashing, and how can we avoid it? ACE advises: As cost-effective sus- tainability initiatives become central to modern business strategy, many com- panies are eager to share their environ- mental commitments. But marketing those efforts carries legal risks — espe- cially the risk of greenwashing by mak- ing misleading environmental claims. Greenwashing can damage reputations, trigger lawsuits and violate federal and state consumer protection laws. The Federal Trade Commission regu- lates environmental marketing through its Green Guides, which require that sustainability claims be truthful, substan- tiated and clearly defined. Broad terms like eco-friendly, natural or green may seem harmless, but without specific context, they can be considered decep- tive. For example, a company claiming to offer "carbon neutral products" must be able to prove how emissions were measured and offset, and for how long. Even well-meaning businesses can run into trouble by overstating effects or relying on outdated data. Claims about recyclable packaging, organic ingredients, or water savings need to be supported by evidence and, where applicable, clarified with disclaimers. Businesses should also be cautious when using third-party cer- tification logos — improper or unauthorized use can result in legal consequences. To avoid greenwashing, work with legal counsel to vet all sustainability-related marketing. Develop internal review processes to confirm that claims are fact- based, current and compliant with applicable laws. If your business has made improvements, be specific: "Our packaging now uses 30% post-consumer recycled materials" is better than saying "now greener!" Transparency and precision build trust — and reduce legal exposure. As sus- tainability continues to evolve, so will the standards for how it's communicated. Staying informed and proactive is the best way to avoid costly missteps. Carrie Green Yardley, founder of Yardley Esq. PLLC, is an ACE board member, contributing writer to Mainebiz and member of the ClimateWork Maine Sustainability Council. Her firm represents small business clients from formation through succession. Carrie can be reached at carrie@yardleyesq.com. M I D C O A S T & D O W N E A S T

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