As you look on the shelves at stores, every product seems to be labeled “organic” or contains Earth tone colors such as green or brown. While this can help consumers easily identify the products they are looking for, it can also create false advertising.
In a time when customers aim to invest in green companies, it’s important to know what is truly helping the Earth and what’s greenwashing.
Table of Contents
What Is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing occurs when companies provide the wrong impression or provide inaccurate information about how their products are beneficial for the environment. They can change the way you view the brand using different techniques such as:
- Using healthy/sustainable buzzwords and claims
- “All-natural”
- “Eco-friendly”
- “Chemical-free”
- Changing colors to green or brown
- Making unrealistic claims
- Adding natural elements such as leaves or trees
Why You Should Steer Clear
Whether you are just starting your sustainable journey and need a going green guide or are experienced and still looking for new ways to be sustainable, being mindful of what is or isn’t greenwashing can help you shop smart and save the Earth.
Purchasing from companies that greenwash can harm the planet immensely. They may have undisclosed chemicals that harm the ecosystem or non-biodegradable packaging while claiming to be eco-friendly. By investing your money into their companies, you are helping them stay on the shelves and allowing them to put out false advertising.
Everyday Examples Of Greenwashing
It’s easy to get carried away and pick out products that are marked as “natural” or make you believe you are helping the environment. It’s something we’ve all done and makes us feel good about ourselves.
Knowing where to look while shopping can help you avoid greenwashed products, and the most common areas you can find greenwashing include:
- Home cleaners
- Food storage
- Recycled fashion
When you find a product that claims to be recycled, produced with wind energy, or other sustainable trends, do some digging into the company or consider how beneficial their claims really are. For example, recycled clothes can reduce waste, but does the company still mass-produce products that will end up in landfills after this season, anyway?
Green Alternatives
Despite the growth of greenwashing, there are still small and simple ways to help improve the earth that you can implement into your everyday life.
Implementing zero-waste eating into your life by choosing local food options or organic food storage such as beeswax cotton wraps is an inexpensive way to help keep toxic and harmful foods from your home and digestive system.
If changing your diet and shopping habits seems a little too drastic, looking out for EPA Safer Choice icons on your cleaning products can reduce the amount of waste you are using without changing your routine.
There are even ways you can be sustainable with your pets. Recycle fabrics and DIYsafe toys and treats to help with your pet’s enrichment while also saving the planet.
You don’t have to be an expert in sustainability to make a difference. Choose easy alternatives and stay aware of greenwashing to maintain a healthier home and environment.
Next time you’re at the store staring at the overwhelming amount of products in front of you, be mindful of greenwashing. Knowing how to avoid it and what harm it can do to our planet will set up a better future for everyone and encourage companies to reconsider their false marketing.
