6 Ways to Spot Greenwashing

Now I don’t want to burst your bubble, BUT has anyone else noticed how rampant greenwashing is? I’ve been seeing it everywhere lately, and these companies need to be held accountable for misleading marketing practices. While we aren’t going to get into THAT today - I do want to take a moment to help you know how to spot greenwashing when you’re out and about.

Here are 6 Ways to Spot Greenwashing

1. Look for Misleading Terms

   Look for vague or misleading terms like "eco-friendly," "all-natural," or "green." Companies may use these terms without actually providing any environmentally friendly benefits. These terms are not regulated, so many brands use these terms without having any stats to back up their claims.

2. Check for Certifications

   Check if the company has any third-party certifications or labels. A legitimate sustainable and eco-friendly product will often have certifications from reputable organizations. If it says it’s vegan, then look for certifications from Leaping Bunny or PETA. If it’s organic, it needs the USDA Organic certification. Don’t be fooled by fake logos created by companies!

3. Research their History

   Research the company's environmental track record. Look for information on their website, news articles, or environmental databases to see if they have a history of environmental violations or lawsuits. A truly sustainable company will have easy access to their sustainability practices. Look for their latest impact report or this can be as simple as looking for a “sustainability” tab on the company website.

4. Lifecycle of the Product

   Consider the entire lifecycle of the product. Even if a product is made with eco-friendly materials, it may still be packaged or transported in an unsustainable way. Many sustainable companies have Carbon Neutral certifications which can help offset any carbon emissions. Also think about what happens to the product once it breaks or is no longer of use. Can it be recycled or reused? These thoughts are essential to determining if a product is being greenwashed.

5. How are they Marketing?

   Look at the company's marketing tactics. If they are primarily focusing on the product's eco-friendliness rather than its quality or effectiveness, it may be a sign of greenwashing. Be vigilant. Enough said!

6. Be Skeptical of Claims

   This one goes hand and hand with tip #1, but be skeptical of claims that a product is "100% natural" or "chemical-free." Everything is made up of chemicals, and natural ingredients can still be harmful to the environment if they are not sourced sustainably or if the product is not used responsibly.

Now it’s your turn!

Spotting greenwashing may seem difficult at first, but as you continue to learn about sustainable practices, you’ll be able to point out greenwashing very quickly! Want to keep learning on how to spot greenwashing? Check out my FREE PDF download HERE.