How to Recognize Greenwashing

Consumer trends have evolved in the past decade and priorities have shifted to ensuring a viable future for the planet. Nowadays, more and more companies are making an effort to be eco-friendly, whether in an attempt to appease customers or to make a genuine difference. It’s true — people are more environmentally conscious than ever. The EY Future Consumer Index found that 84% of consumers take into account sustainability when making purchase decisions. Although affordability is still one of the major factors affecting a purchase, many are willing to pay a bit more for a sustainable alternative. But when new trends emerge, it is difficult to immediately implement regulations that prevent the misuse of buzzwords — with the impressive growth of the sustainability movement also comes the rise of greenwashing.

What Is Greenwashing?

Greenwashing essentially involves making false or exaggerated claims about the environmental benefits of a product or service. Companies may use ambiguous or vague terms such as “natural,” “eco-friendly,” or “green” without providing any evidence to back up their claims. These claims are often misleading, giving consumers the impression that the product or service is more environmentally friendly than it actually is.

Greenwashing is a growing concern due to the increasing awareness and importance of environmental sustainability. Companies often use greenwashing as a marketing strategy to attract consumers who prioritize sustainable products and services. However, greenwashing can be misleading and harmful to both consumers and the environment.

The Consequences of Greenwashing

Greenwashing can have far-reaching consequences. Consumers who believe they are purchasing environmentally-friendly products based on false or misleading information may unwittingly support companies that are not genuinely committed to sustainability. This can lead to negative environmental impacts and undermine efforts to promote sustainability. Moreover, greenwashing can harm the reputation of companies that are genuinely committed to sustainability. The prevalence of greenwashing can make it difficult for consumers to distinguish between truly sustainable companies and those that are simply trying to capitalize on the growing demand for environmentally-friendly products and services.

In the long run, greenwashing can hinder progress towards a more sustainable future. By perpetuating false or misleading information about the environmental impact of their products or services, companies can undermine public support for sustainability initiatives, making it more difficult to mobilize collective action on environmental issues. It is therefore essential that consumers remain vigilant and do their research before making any environmentally-conscious purchases. Companies must also be held accountable for their claims and take meaningful steps towards sustainability.

Identifying Greenwashing

Identifying greenwashing can be challenging, but there are several signs to look out for:

• Vague or unsubstantiated claims: companies may use terms such as “natural,” “eco-friendly,” or “green” without providing any evidence to back up their claims.
• Irrelevant or misleading certifications: Some certifications may be irrelevant or misleading, giving the impression that a product or service is more environmentally friendly than it actually is.
• A lack of transparency: Companies may not provide information about their environmental impact or may make it difficult to access.

It’s important to thoroughly research and look for evidence to support a company’s claims. Look for specific details about a product or service’s environmental impact, such as the amount of energy or water saved or the reduction in carbon emissions. If a company is not transparent about their environmental impact or makes vague or unsubstantiated claims, it may be a sign of greenwashing.

At Bota Bota, we make considerable efforts to reduce our ecological footprint. Did you know that BIXI subscribers and OPUS cardholders get a 15% discount on Tuesdays? You can find more information about our environmental efforts on board here.