What Is Greenwashing And Why Does It Matter?

The Truth About Greenwashing: How to Spot It and Why It Matters

In today’s world, where shopping sustainably has become more important than ever, you’ve probably come across the term "greenwashing." But what does it actually mean, and why should we be concerned? In this blog, we’re here to help clear things up! We’ll explain what greenwashing is, why it’s an issue, and offer some easy tips to help you choose products that are genuinely eco-friendly.

Together, we’ll explore what to look for so that you can confidently select products that are truly as green as they say they are!

What’s Greenwashing, Anyway?

Greenwashing happens when brands make exaggerated or misleading claims about how environmentally friendly their products or services are. Essentially, it’s when companies try to appear as though they care about the planet, but their main goal is increasing profits. This often involves deceiving customers with false promises of sustainability, leading to confusion and mistrust about what’s genuinely eco-friendly.

What to Look Out For

Vague Buzzwords: Terms like "natural," "eco," or "organic" might sound great, but they often lack clear definitions and aren't always regulated. Brands can use them freely, even if their products still contain harmful chemicals or aren't made with sustainable ingredients.

How to Spot It: Dig a little deeper—check the ingredients list and look for details. A good sign is if the company is transparent about its production processes and ingredients. Clarity and openness are key!

Misleading Packaging: Brands often use green colours or nature-themed imagery to make products seem eco-friendly. But this can sometimes be misleading!

For instance, some claim they've reduced plastic, yet still heavily rely on it instead of more sustainable materials. These tactics create a false sense of sustainability, making it seem like you're making an eco-friendly choice when the environmental impact might still be high.

How to Avoid It: Always look for third-party certifications from trusted organisations like B Corp, Leaping Bunny, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to verify that a product's green claims are legitimate, not just clever marketing. Even with these certifications, it's worth doing a bit of extra research to ensure the brand is truly sustainable across its entire business, not just in one area.

Irrelevant Claims:

Brands often label their products as “green” or “planet-friendly,” but these claims can be misleading. For instance, you might see a product advertised as “biodegradable” or “50% less plastic.” While these phrases may sound positive, they’re often classic examples of greenwashing. Just because a product is labeled as biodegradable doesn’t guarantee it will break down properly in a landfill, and reducing plastic by only half still doesn't address the overall environmental impact. These tactics can trick consumers into believing they’re making an ethical choice when they may not be.

What to Look Out For: As a savvy eco-shopper, always dig deeper. Ask yourself 'what specific natural ingredients are used?'  'Are they responsibly sourced, and how are they packaged?'

Also, be cautious with terms like “carbon neutral.” While it sounds great, some brands use carbon offsetting measures that don’t address the overall sustainability of the product itself. Always look beyond the buzzwords!

The Greenwashing Checklist

Here are some quick and friendly tips to help you spot brands and products that are truly green.

1. Look for Certifications:

 

2. Dig into the Details:

Real sustainability isn’t just skin deep. Check the product’s label and description for specific info about how it’s made, sourced, and packaged.

3. Demand Transparency:

 A brand that’s truly green will be open about their practices. Look for detailed information about their environmental efforts, not just buzzwords.

4. Watch Out for Vague Terms:

Terms like “natural” or “eco-friendly” can be red flags if they’re not backed up with specifics. A good product will clearly explain what makes it green.

5. Get to Know the Brand:

Dig into the brand’s history and overall sustainability efforts. True commitment to sustainability shows in long-term, consistent practices, not just one-off claims. A great way to evaluate brands is by using platforms like Ethical Consumer, which offers unbiased research and rates companies based on their ethics and environmental impact. This can help you make more informed choices

6. Check Reviews and Reports:

Independent reviews and reports can give you a clearer picture of whether a product or company is truly green or just putting on a show.

 

7. Ask Questions:

If you are still unsure, reach out to the brand and ask about their practices. A genuine company will be happy to transparently share their sustainability story with you.

Understanding and spotting greenwashing is important because it helps you make choices that genuinely support sustainability. When you choose products that are truly eco-friendly, you’re not only reducing your own environmental footprint but also encouraging more companies to get serious about their green practices.

Here at Friendly Soap, we are committed to transparency and genuine sustainability. Our plastic-free, vegan, and handmade soap bars are designed to make a positive impact on both your skin and the planet. We're dedicated to helping you confidently navigate the world of eco-friendly products and make choices that you can truly feel good about.