Greenwashing Explained

With an ever-increasing urgency for us to look after the planet we inhabit many resolutions for the new year have included taking steps to cut back on one’s carbon footprint. We have all noticed global warming while many world leaders are still telling us that it is a myth. What is the worst that happens if we act and it is a myth? The world makes better choices for the planet. If we do nothing and it is true? Potential global extinction. Many consumers have decided to make better choices with their purchases or as most of them are known as “Greener” options. The trouble is that many of the big companies have caught on and are making claims about their products that may not necessarily mean they are any better for the planet than other products out there.

What is greenwashing?

Greenwashing is when a product is labelled as being better for the environment than it really is. A lot of companies are using green packaging to attract our attention and using labels such as degradable, bio-degradable, plant based and greener. When the product is potentially just the same as the one next to it with a regular label and without a doubt a whole lot cheaper. These big companies know that the consumer will likely pay more for a more environmentally friendly product which means by a simple change to their label they can charge more for the same product.

What does the label mean?

Degradable – This is one of the highest misleading words. Technically everything is degradable and can take anywhere from 10-10,000 years to degrade. Don't take this label to mean a product is any better.

Biodegradable- While this is a step up from degradable it still does not guarantee the breakdown will be within your lifetime. It does not also mean that everything about the product is biodegradable. The packaging it comes in doesn't need to meet the same product requirement.

Compostable- This is one of the better words to steer towards but does not always guarantee that everything about the product is compostable including the packaging. You would also need to ensure to check the label to see if it is at home compostable or if it needs to be sent off for commercial composting.

While these are the most common labelling tricks that are being used at the moment there are many others. If you are interested in helping out the environment then make sure you take care with labels and don't just pick up the first one that is making claims to be greener.

What can you do?

There is a lot of information to take in and so many things about labelling that you need to be careful of. The best way for you to avoid getting sucked in is to read the whole packet not just the few key words that are on the front. Do some research on companies some people like to find a few car companies that align with their values and stick to them as you know they are safe. Do not be afraid to ask if you are unsure check with someone in the shop or stop in the supermarket and do a quick internet search. A few extra minutes to help the planet is worth it. A few simple tips that will help you reduce your impact when shopping.

- Bring your own bags

- Buy locally made

- Avoid unnecessary packaging

- Find companies that you can trust

- Read labels

The journey is all about learning. There are constantly new greenwashing tactics and tricks that large companies will introduce. It is not about being perfect but every little change makes a difference.