What is Greenwashing and How to Spot It

Well-known companies throughout the world have recently started to release “green” or “eco-friendly” products, but who’s to say that these products are actually sustainable. These companies are Greenwashing their public.

Greenwashing is when companies invest more time and money on marketing their products or brand as “green” instead of actually doing the work to make sure that it is sustainable.

Coca-Cola has recently relaunched itself with a more sustainable image. Their “A World Without Waste” campaign promises to “collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one they sell and make 100% of their packaging recyclable.” Coca-Cola has also promised to return 100 percent or more of the water they use. and that for every drop they use, they’ll give one back.

Year after year, reports show that Coca-Cola has failed to meet its goals, and is nowhere near being as green as they claim they already are.

Coca-Cola isn’t the only well-known company that is Greenwashing its public. Both Fiji and Volkswagen are known for their greenwashing. The Volkswagen emission scandal started in 2015, revealing that the car company used devices to cheat their way out of gas emission regulation tests.

As Greenwashing becomes more popular, it’s important to be aware of popular greenwashing tendencies and knowing how to spot it.

Check For Labels

When buying products that are advertised as green, check for the right labels and be aware that some companies may use uncertified labels that are similar to approved ones.

Leaping Bunny, animal cruelty free products

Rainforest Alliance

USDA Organic

World Fair Trade Organization

Next time you see a sustainable product, make sure it actually is sustainable and not hurting the environment. Be careful with what you buy, and pay attention to labels.