In the ever-continuing fight against climate change, there is a huge problem that is setting back the efforts of many earth-friendly organizations: greenwashing.
The science is clear. Greenhouse emissions like carbon and methane due to human activities have caused mass pollution, leading to a warmer planet and severe impacts on the weather. The world continues to experience more intense storms, droughts, floods, and wildfires due to these greenhouse gasses. To limit climate change and maintain a livable planet, emissions must be cut in half by 2030 and reduced to net zero by 2050. “Every fraction of a degree of warming matters and,” as put by the former chair of the High-Level Expert Group on the Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities. “The planet cannot afford delays, excuses, or more greenwashing.”
Greenwashing is a practice that deceptively portrays the environmental efforts of organizations, creating a facade of sustainability where in reality, there is little to no effort being made. In other words, it is when companies make unsubstantiated claims about their products, stating they are green when they are not. Greenwashing camouflages the true intention behind many campaigns for eco-friendly products, hindering genuine progress in the fight against climate change.
The most common examples of greenwashing seen by companies and manufacturers are being purposely vague about a company’s materials being used, applying intentionally misleading labels such as “green” or “eco-friendly,” and claiming to be on track to reduce polluting emissions to net zero when no plan is actually in place.
Many high status companies have been caught greenwashing in the past couple of years.
Volkswagen obtained the most significant penalty for greenwashing to date. In 2015, the corporation was discovered to have manipulated two diesel engines to falsely depict lower emissions levels. Despite appearing compliant, these engines were emitting nitrogen oxide levels 40 times higher than those permitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as reported by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The repercussions were severe, with Volkswagen facing financial liabilities totaling approximately $30 billion. Additionally, Australia imposed a $125 million fine, while the European Commission added a staggering $590 million penalty. Also, six employees faced criminal charges in the United States.
Kohl’s and Walmart were jointly fined $5.5 million for infractions of the Textile Act. The violations centered on both companies’ misleading advertising of products as being crafted from bamboo when, in reality, they were made of rayon, according to a statement from the U.S. Office of Public Affairs. Additionally, they falsely asserted the eco-friendliness of these bamboo products, with Kohl’s going so far as to claim they were manufactured without harmful chemicals. However, as clarified by the statement, rayon production involves a chemical-intensive process emitting hazardous pollutants.
Arun G. Rao, Deputy Assistant Attorney General and head of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch emphasized the importance of consumer trust in retailers’ claims regarding the makeup of their apparel, stating, “Consumers should be able to trust retailers’ representations about the materials from which their clothes and linens are made.”
So, what can individuals do to stop greenwashing? Firstly, becoming educated about common greenwashing tactics and understanding what constitutes sustainable practices and products is essential. This will help to be able to recognize and avoid falling victim to deceptive marketing strategies. Second, spending money wisely by conducting research before making purchasing decisions can help prioritize products from companies that responsibly use resources and demonstrate a commitment to reducing emissions and waste. Research can check if a company aligns with sustainability initiatives like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Race to Zero or the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. By advocating for transparency and accountability, individuals can contribute to a culture that values genuine environmental action and holds companies accountable for their impact on the planet.
