Green washing is a term to account for the misleading information companies give about the environmental benefits of their products or services. This can be seen in the rebranding of business to look more “green”, using buzzwords (like eco-friendly, natural, etc), and framing the companies practices to make it look like they are caring for the environment when they actually just care about making the most money. Environmental advocates are cracking down on greenwashing, but here are some ways you can identify greenwashing and what you can do to be a more conscious consumer.
Look out for buzzwords
Buzzwords are words that companies can put on their products but do not hold any actual meaning to the product you are purchasing. This is a marketing strategy to make it seem like their product is not doing as much damage to the planet. Buzzwords to look out for are:
- Green
- Eco-friendly
- Environmentally friendly
- Natural
- Sustainable
Misleading certification logos and packaging
Companies will put misleading certifications and claims on packaging that you will think are sustainable initiatives but are just another marketing strategy. These certification logos can be from unreliable certification companies or entirely made up. Marketing strategies know that if you put a label that says “100% Natural” or “Sustainably Made” the consumer will buy it. In reality- what do these labels even mean? This technique is very similar to buzzwords that you might see on greenwashed packaging.
Why do companies Greenwash?
Simple– profit over people. Companies greenwash because it is a useful marketing strategy for them to make more money. Consumers are more drawn to products that they think will be better for them and/ or the planet. The rebranding of products to make them look more “eco-friendly” when that company may still be using the same unethical production cycle and non environmentally friendly resources.
What impact does this have on the environment?
Companies hide behind greenwashing techniques so that they don’t have to change their production cycle which consists of many toxic emissions to the environment. It also makes brands who are environmentally friendly even harder to find. If greenwashing continues to not be regulated and overused by companies, it can be hard to pinpoint the businesses that are trying to help the planet. As the climate crisis prevails, there is no environmental benefit of companies continuing to greenwash.
Greenwashing Awareness
Next time you are in a store or plan to buy from a business, keep a look out of these words on labels. More companies are starting to be more honest with their sustainable efforts, and there are even companies who have been environmental advocates since the beginning of that business. More often than not, if you see a brand commonly in a store there is likely research conducted on that brand and the claims the company makes. Companies that are open and honest about their production cycle and the resources they use can be more reliable than companies that use vague language. When in doubt, opt for shopping locally and from a small business because it is easier to get into contact with that business and the source of that product.