GreenWashing

Overview

Greenwashing refers to 

• disinformation or misleading visuals given by an organization for the sole purpose of promoting their product or corporate image as environmentally friendly.

• using sustainability discourse (e.g., "green"; "natural"; "recycled"; "vegan") to attract consumers.

• predatory behavior toward consumers by presenting an environmentally disruptive product as beneficial; exaggerating claims, mislading consumers.

Examples

Starbucks uses nature imagery (colors, illustrations of plants) and terms ("eco-friendly") to misinform or mislead consumers into believing that the company is eco-friendly. However, the coffee industry is notoriously bad for the environment, and Starbucks regularly uses plastic and other unsustainble products. 

Critical Approaches: Green Advertising and Consumerism

Green advertising may make consumers more environmentally conscious, but companies need to be transparent about their products.