Green Washing and You
Everywhere around us, more and more people are becoming invested in the health and future of our planet. We only have one, after all, and it is insanely important that we keep it healthy, to support us, our ways of life, and everything we all hold dear!
Due to this, many consumers are wisely choosing to spend their money on sustainable and eco-friendly brands!
Many larger companies are noticing this drop in business. As such, many businesses are choosing to turn to change their practices into healthier and more sustainable ways of production. However, it can cost more to shift into a greener way of life, and so many companies are also lying about changing their practices, to gain the money and trust of consumers who simply want to support a healthier future.
So, it is important to ensure that consumers truly know how to differentiate between truly green and greenwashed companies!
The FTC has a handy checklist that we will expand upon, but first, here is the checklist.
"Packaging and advertising should explain the product's green claims in plain language and readable type in close proximity to the claim.
An environmental marketing claim should specify whether it refers to the product, the packaging, or just a portion of the product or package.
A product's marketing claim should not overstate, directly or by implication, an environmental attribute or benefit.
If a product claims a benefit compared to the competition, the claim should be substantiated."
The Federal Trade Commission wisely provides good examples of what may be considered greenwashing!
"A plastic package containing a new shower curtain is labeled “recyclable.” It is not clear whether the package or the shower curtain is recyclable. In either case, the label is deceptive if any part of the package or its contents, other than minor components, cannot be recycled.
An area rug is labeled “50% more recycled content than before.” The manufacturer increased the recycled content from 2% to 3%. Although technically true, the message conveys the false impression that the rug contains a significant amount of recycled fiber.
A trash bag is labeled “recyclable.” Trash bags are not ordinarily separated from other trash at the landfill or incinerator, so they are highly unlikely to be used again for any purpose. The claim is deceptive since it asserts an environmental benefit where no meaningful benefit exists."
Greenwashing is a very harmful activity, and you should always double-check if a brand can back up its claims with verifiable information.
To support our claims, we have an entire page of certifications on our site, with easily read certifications and the names of who awarded them. As such, it is much easier to see what is truly green on our site, and what is not.