If you’re like me, you want to make healthy choices that are good for you, your family, and the environment. Today, people who want to make healthier choices are choosing to buy more products labeled “green”, “eco-friendly,” “natural,” or “sustainable”. Seems pretty straightforward, right? Well, as I’ve come to find out, buying truly healthy and eco-friendly products is a lot more difficult than it should be. The problem we are facing is that many of these “green” claims can end up not actually being true. That’s where the term greenwashing comes in. My guess is that you may have landed on this article in search of a greenwashing definition. Or perhaps you have a general idea of what greenwashing is but need real-world examples and solutions. If so, this article is a great starting place for you.
Understanding the definition of greenwashing can help you make more informed choices and avoid getting tricked by dishonest brands that aren’t as green as they seem.
Greenwashing Definition: What Does It Actually Mean?
Simply put, greenwashing is when a company makes itself appear more environmentally friendly than it actually is. Instead of genuinely committing to sustainable practices, greenwashing companies use dishonest marketing to trick customers into thinking their products are better for the themselves and the environment than they actually are.
How to Spot Greenwashing in Everyday Products
Trying to wade through the mess of false green advertising can feel incredibly overwhelming and frustrating. I speak from personal experience as well as from hearing about it from friends. But I want to help break down some key indicators to look for that will help you start navigating the market more effectively.
The first thing you want to fully understand is that not all green labels mean what they imply. In a nutshell, the reason some companies use false “green” names and advertising is because:
- They know people are looking for these products and are using green packaging as a marketing ploy
- They want to increase profits while saving money with lower-quality materials and ingredients, even if it means using dishonest tactics to appease the market.
Here are a few clues of greenwashing tactics that I’ve come across that may indicate false advertising:
- Vague or Misleading Claims
Words like “natural,” “eco,” and “pure” sound great! But sadly they’re oftentimes not backed by any true standards or certificates of analysis. Look for certifications from reputable organizations, like USDA Organic or Fair Trade, rather than vague terms. - Green Packaging with No Legitimate Sources
Sometimes, companies put a leaf or a green color scheme on their products without actually doing anything about the product itself to make it truly green. Simply put, they just change the packaging design to give consumers the impression of being healthy and eco-friendly. - Hidden Trade-Offs
A company might advertise a product as being healthy or eco-friendly in one way while completely ignoring all of the ways that it isn’t eco-friendly and perhaps even toxic. For example, a product may be advertised as being made from “50% recycled materials”. However, if the other 50% is harmful plastic or includes pollutants, it’s not truly eco-friendly.
Tips to Avoid Greenwashing
1. Do a Quick Online Search
Take a minute to research a company before buying any of their products. Are they transparent about their practices, or is there a lot of “fluff” on their website? Real eco-friendly brands usually provide details about their sourcing, materials, and sustainability efforts.
2. Contact the Company Directly
Sometimes you may even need to contact a company directly to access the full details concerning their products’ ingredients, materials, and environmental practices.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a single company may have some products that are green and others that aren’t. At that, you’ll want to ask the company specifically about the products you potentially intend to purchase.
3. Look for Third-Party Certifications
Certifications like Certified B Corporation, Energy Star, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Fair Trade provide an extra layer of credibility. These third-party stamps of approval ensure companies meet rigorous standards for environmental and social responsibility.
4. Be Skeptical of “All-Natural” Labels
One of the trickiest greenwashing tactics involves labels like “all-natural,” “non-toxic,” or “eco-friendly.” As mentioned earlier, there aren’t many regulations around these terms, so companies can use them even if their products contain ingredients that are questionable for health or the environment.
Additionally, not everything that is natural is safe for humans to use. For example, poison ivy is all-natural, but we’re not using it as a skincare product.
Why Understanding Greenwashing Matters
Greenwashing isn’t just a trendy buzzword. Sure, it’s being used a lot more as of late, but that’s because there is a good reason for it. People are tired of dishonest marketing tactics and want to just be able to make healthy choices for themselves, their loved ones, and the planet! The choices we make about the products we use now impact not only ourselves, but also the world we’re leaving behind for future generations.
We have the power to shift demand toward brands that are genuinely committed to sustainability, ensuring a healthier future for everyone. But in order to make this happen, we need to spread awareness about topics like greenwashing. Avoiding harmful, wasteful products is just the beginning. Ultimately, being aware and active against greenwashing is about creating a market that rewards authentic, trustworthy companies that take real steps toward eco-friendly practices.
Final Thoughts on Greenwashing
Understanding greenwashing, the definition, and examples and learning to recognize it in our everyday lives can make a huge difference for the health of our world and its inhabitants.
Next time you see a product labeled “eco-friendly,” remember to look a little closer and do some quick research. That way you can make the choice that truly aligns with your values. The more we know, the better choices we can make for ourselves, our loved ones, the world’s people, and the environment! If you think about it, every dollar we spend is a vote for the kind of world we want to see for ourselves and for future generations.
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