Greenwashing

Customers tend to invest in environmentally sustainable companies compared to the others. Because of this, companies are trying to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (i.e., carbon footprint) and try to show they are an environmentally-friendly organization. However, some companies misinform the public about their environmental policies and make people believe their organization is doing more to protect our planet than the actual situation. This is what we call "Greenwashing".

Greenwashing is quite unethical, and it is one of the obstacles against climate change action. Climate change is a critical issue that has been addressed and should be taken seriously and everyone should participate in climate change action to protect our environment.

How can we understand if a company does greenwashing? Some signs may manifest or give a clue if a company does greenwashing.

1. If a company claims to have a net-zero emission target without an actual plan.

2. If a company does not explain the materials used in their products explicitly.

3. If a company uses terms like "eco-friendly ", "organic", "green" etc. to describe their products but does not support these claims with standards. (i.e., EU standards)

4. If a company is emphasizing a small change or improvement in a product or process it has a significant positive impact on the environment than the reality.

5. If a company tries to show that it is meeting the minimum legislation standards as if they are minimizing its emissions etc. as much as possible.

6. If a company emphasizes its product made with recyclables without addressing its environmental impact during the manufacturing process.

7. If a company mentions complying with environmental sustainability goals that are not relatable to the said product.

According to the UN (United Nations), these signs may manifest that a company is misleading people and doing greenwashing.

What can we do against greenwashing? 

As customers, we can learn and try to understand the greenwashing tactics before purchasing. Researching about the companies that apply greenwashing will help us avoid purchasing these so-called eco-friendly products. In addition, we should also look for accountability and transparency in the products. Environmentally friendly claims should be supported with standards explicitly on the product.

To sum up, greenwashing is a troubling marketing strategy where companies misleadingly present themselves as environmentally friendly. Consumers need to be aware, examining environmental claims closely and demanding transparency. By doing this, consumers play a crucial role in an environmentally sustainable future and make companies more environmentally responsible.