How to Avoid Being Greenwashed

Even amid the current economy, many consumers are prepared to spend a little extra to purchase environmentally friendly products. If you have decided to make some lifestyle changes and reduce your carbon footprint, this is a good way to start.

 

Despite your best efforts, you may inadvertently become a victim of greenwashing, which will undermine your lifestyle choices and your consumer confidence. Coined during the early nineties, the term greenwashing refers to unscrupulous companies who promote their products as environment friendly when in fact they are not, and they may even cause damage to the environment.

 

The Seven Greenwashing Sins

 

The Hidden Trade-off

Some companies claim their product is green based on one or more attributes, while deliberately ignoring other, related environmental issues. For example, although paper may be produced from sustainably harvested trees, the paper-making process itself may not be environmentally friendly.

No Proof

While companies may claim their products are environmentally friendly due to recycled content or other “green” ingredients, they offer no evidence to substantiate these claims. Examples may include toilet or facial tissues.

 

Vagueness

Unscrupulous manufacturers may try to trick consumers by making vague and ambiguous claims about their products, claims that could be easily misunderstood. Examples include products which claim their ingredients are ‘natural,’ which does not necessarily mean they are not harmful to the environment.

 

False Labeling

Some products imply that they are green by means of false or misleading images or words on their labels, when there is no proof to back this up. Examples include bleaches or detergents with labels depicting trees, lakes or natural springs.

How to Protect yourself from Greenwashing

• Ask for proof of environmental claims: An honest company will be able to substantiate any environmental claims it makes for its products and its practices. Request documented evidence to all claims, and be aware that any deliberate omission is probably a sign of dishonesty.

• Ask for information: Many companies pledge commitment to transparency. If however, they become evasive when you try to take them at their word, this should immediately raise a red flag. Ask to see their annual reports, and ask for specific information pertaining to environmental impact as well as their commitment to sustainability.

 

• Don't be distracted by irrelevant details: Beware of companies that make claims about their products that are true but are nevertheless irrelevant. This is a ploy used to distract the consumer from more important environmental issues. One example would be a can of shaving foam which claims to contain no CFCs. While this claim is true, it is irrelevant because CFCs have been banned for almost three decades.

• Investigate international operations: Some companies operate with different regulations for their overseas branches. You may encounter unethical activities such as exploitation of local communities, negative environmental impact or even funding for military forces.

• Look for eco-labels: Eco-labels are used to identify products that meet specific environmental standards. They are recognized throughout the world and indicate items that do not have a negative environmental impact. In North America you will find eco-labels on items such as sustainable timber, organic food, biodegradable products, Greenstar certified appliances, and chlorine free products. Though eco-labeling is currently a voluntary program it is a valuable tool for helping consumers make green choices.

 

 

Corinna Underwood is a freelance writer who specializes in sustainable living, the environment and Chain of Title Searches.