Thanks to the internet and the ability for people to share information - many consumers now see the ambiguity behind these terms. The production of green products are generally not environmentally friendly however because they use sustainable materials it some how makes it magical. The problem with Made in USA is that many companies misrepresent it.
I believe to claim Made in USA implies 90% or more of the value and/or raw materials must come from USA (don't quote me on this). Companies often decide that just because part of a product is made domestically that they can claim USA made. Had these terms been better regulated they could have (and were) great marketing ploys but as you put it marketers have rendered them benign.
I am not trying to say that using either of these terms is entirely ineffective - that is not entirely the case. Thanks to the fact that many people still do not know or care to know the truth - there are many people who feel all warm and fuzzy buying items making ... more.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.