Culture reporter wants to write something on green, but needs something new, a counterintuitive trend piece that can get some attention.

PR shill pitches reporter on fake trend: blue is the new green! Perfect.

Reader support helps sustain our work. Donate today to keep our climate news free. All donations DOUBLED!

Reporter calls actual green journalist. Actual green journalist points out that trend is fake.

Even better! Now you’ve got a trend piece with some he-said she-said controversy attached!

Grist thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Sigh.