It’s that time of the year again – April. The month of spring, renewal, and unfortunately, greenwashing. You may have heard of greenwashing before, but in case you haven’t, allow us to enlighten you. Greenwashing is the act of companies making exaggerated or false claims about the environmental benefits of their products, services or policies. Unfortunately, it’s all too common, and April seems to be the month where it’s at its peak. With Earth Day on April 22nd, companies are quick to jump on the green bandwagon and try to persuade customers that they’re environmentally conscious. However, it’s up to us, as consumers, to be aware and to take action against greenwashing.
H2: The History of Greenwashing
Greenwashing isn’t a new concept. In fact, it has been around since the 1960s. The term “greenwashing” was coined in the 1980s an environmentalist named Jay Westerveld. He used the term to describe the hotel industry’s practice of encouraging guests to reuse towels to save the environment, while ignoring bigger environmental issues, such as pollution and energy consumption.
Since then, greenwashing has become more prevalent, with companies using it as a marketing tactic to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. According to a study TerraChoice, 95% of “green” or “environmentally friendly” products on the market are guilty of greenwashing in some way.
H2: Identifying Greenwashing
So how do you identify greenwashing? There are a few key things to look out for. Firstly, watch out for vague or unsubstantiated claims such as “eco-friendly” or “green”. These types of claims are often used to make a product appear environmentally friendly, without any actual evidence to back it up.
Another thing to watch out for is irrelevant or misleading information. For example, a product may be advertised as “100% recyclable”, but if it’s made from toxic materials, it’s not really environmentally friendly.
H2: How to Avoid Greenwashing
Now that we’ve identified some of the key signs of greenwashing, let’s talk about how to avoid it. Firstly, do your research. Look for reputable certifications such as Energy Star or the USDA Organic label. These certifications are independently verified and can be trusted.
Another way to avoid greenwashing is to be skeptical of vague or misleading claims. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do your own research.
H2: Take action against Greenwashing
Now that you know how to identify and avoid greenwashing, it’s time to take action. The first step is to educate others. Spread awareness about greenwashing and encourage others to make informed decisions when purchasing products.
Another way to take action is to contact companies directly. Let them know that you’re aware of their greenwashing tactics and that you expect them to be transparent and environmentally responsible.
H2: Conclusion
In conclusion, April may be the greenwashiest month, but it’s up to us as consumers to be aware and take action against greenwashing. By educating ourselves, identifying greenwashing, and taking action, we can make a difference and hold companies accountable for their environmental impact. Remember to always be skeptical and do your research when purchasing products, and let’s work towards a more sustainable future.
Source: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-spot-and-stop-greenwashing