What is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing is a term used to describe when a company attempts to present itself as environmentally friendly, often through misleading or exaggerated marketing claims. This can include anything from making vague statements about a product’s sustainability to making false claims about its environmental impact.
- Greenwashing can take many forms, including
- misleading marketing campaigns
- outright false claims about a product’s sustainability
Greenwashing is often used as a way for companies to capitalize on the growing demand for eco-friendly products without actually making any changes to their practices or products. For example, a company might put a solar panel on a gas-guzzling truck, making it look a little greener, but the core problem remains.
Beware of Sweeping Claims
One of the first things to look out for is vague or sweeping claims without specifics. Has a company declared its product “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” without providing any details? Broad statements lack substance, and a truly environmentally conscious company will be transparent about its efforts.
- A company might highlight a single green feature while downplaying everything else
- Packaging is a popular one to look out for, as companies might heavily market that their packaging is made from recycled materials, but does that accomplish anything when the device itself is made from nonrenewable resources?
True sustainability considers the entire lifecycle of a product, from raw material extraction to disposal. Don’t be swayed by one shiny “green” aspect meant to distract you.
Look Closely at Certifications and Labels
While some eco-labels are trustworthy and indicate genuine environmental standards, others can be misleading or even created by the companies themselves. Research the certifications you see.
- Are they backed by independent organizations with rigorous standards?
- Look for well-known and respected certifications like Energy Star or EPEAT
A credible certification will provide clear criteria and ensure ongoing compliance. Anyone can whip up a label that looks legit–don’t blindly trust them.
The End is Not the End-All
This one may not entirely be “greenwashing,” but it is something to keep in mind. Be wary when companies focus solely on end-of-life solutions like recycling programs without addressing the environmental impact of production.
- A company might heavily promote recycling but continue to push back against Right to Repair legislation, deflecting attention from their overall environmental impact
- Consider the durability and repairability of a product before you buy it
A truly sustainable product is designed with longevity and repairability in mind. Companies that heavily promote recycling but continue to push back against Right to Repair legislation might be deflecting attention from their overall environmental impact.
Do Your Own Homework
At the end of the day, spotting greenwashing comes down to doing your own research. It’s up to you to look beyond the marketing speak and seek out independent reviews and reports from environmental organizations.
- Consider using resources like
- Ethical Consumer’s “Environment” section for every company
A little bit of digging can go a long way in uncovering the truth behind the green buzzwords. The reality is that tech companies are mostly concerned with the bottom line, and they’re not going to make changes unless there’s something in it for them.
Ultimately, you decide which actions get rewarded with your wallet.
