Senator Rosa Galvez

What is Greenwashing?

Greenwashing is a deceptive practice companies may use to mislead consumers about the environmental benefits of their products, services, or business in order to appear more environmentally friendly than they actually are.This can involve exaggerated claims, vague language, or deceptive packaging that suggests a product or service is sustainable, eco-friendly, or green, when in reality, it may not be.

The goal of greenwashing is often to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for eco-conscious products without making the actual effort to reduce environmental harm. It’s a way for companies to profit from the "green" trend while not committing to meaningful environmental changes. Greenwashing stands in the way of consumers’ ability to make informed choices and is a significant obstacle to tackling climate change. Indeed, the United Nations noted that “greenwashing promotes false solutions to the climate crisis that distract from and delay concrete and credible action."