How to Identify Greenwashing

You may have seen the term “greenwashing” pop up on your social media feed recently, but what is greenwashing? This is a marketing tactic that allows companies to lie about their environmental practices. By greenwashing, companies will spend money to advertise and portray themselves as eco-conscious when their practices are not. In industries that produce high waste and rely on harming the environment, this can be especially prevalent. So how can we identify greenwashing in practice?

If a company does not address their supply chain and carbon emissions and claims to be eco-conscious, they are likely greenwashing. The supply chain is a company’s largest output of carbon emissions, so brands should look at production facilities, transport and shipping methods, and the environmental impacts of source materials.

Brands will promote eco-friendly packaging while avoiding talking about their waste production. Recycled packaging is great, but continuing to promote throwaway culture amongst the company and consumers will never protect our ecosystems.

Make sure to read claims and targets carefully! Many times companies will sound promising and not be impactful. Reading the fine print underneath big statements can help determine whether or not a company is speaking their truth.