A Guide to Spotting Greenwashing in Products
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Retail is evolving and so is e-commerce. In recent years, more businesses have launched eco-friendly products, but all may not be exactly as it seems.
Unfortunately, a lot of the items out there claiming to be “sustainable” and “green” are falsely labeled. In the name of “saving the planet” and encouraging people to become “environmentally friendly,” brands are engaging in what is now known as greenwashing.
Greenwashing is a ploy that sells products disguised under labels supporting the environment. In reality, these commodities are not eco-friendly but make the customers believe otherwise. On the plus side however, there are steps you can take to avoid being roped into this scam.
Look for any Green Certifications
Many companies try to use fancy words such as natural, sustainable, and eco-conscious living to catch the attention of consumers and make them believe they’re doing something good for the environment. You need to look for certifications that validate these terms. Keep an eye out for labels like Certified Organic, Carbon Neutral, USDA Organic Certification, Green Seal, Non-GMO Project Verified, Fair Trade Certified, Carbon Trust Standard, & Forest Stewardship Council. This will enable you to know whether the product is legitimately eco-conscious.
Read the Label Carefully
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Be wary of words without any proof to support them. For instance, if a brand mentions that it uses 75% recycled plastic, it means that the remaining 25% is virgin plastic. Various buzzwords are used to mislead consumers. If a company advertises its product(s) as organic but the label has no certifications, then you know it’s not authentic.
Pay Attention to Packaging
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The next time you go shopping or buy items online, take a look at the packaging. Is it minimal or made from recycled material? In most cases, greenwashed products will have an insane amount of packaging. Some may contain a recyclable external box but the item may still be wrapped in plastic.
Check the Website
Figure out the motive of the business by researching its history. Understand the story of the founders and whether there is any demonstration of eco-consciousness or action supporting sustainability. If they have another business or product that is not eco-friendly, the greenwashing could be a cover-up.
Research the Company Externally
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Once you’ve gotten more clarity about the founders, it would be a good idea to invest time in finding out more about the business itself. Look into any news published about them, and take note of any reports made; see if you find anything suspicious. Make sure you rely on trustworthy sources. You can also go through Google reviews or consumer reviews on social media platforms.
If you choose to actively be eco-conscious and practice a sustainable livelihood, then putting every green business through the radar may be a good way to go. Although it would require sufficient time, it will enable you to support green businesses that are genuinely trying to make an impact.
