What is greenwashing?

Greenwashing refers to the practice of misleading consumers about the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service. This often involves exaggerating claims about sustainability or highlighting minor eco-friendly attributes while obscuring the overall negative environmental impact.

The essence of greenwashing lies in the disparity between the claims made by a company and its actual environmental practices. By promoting a product as more environmentally friendly than it truly is, companies aim to attract environmentally conscious consumers without significantly altering their practices or reducing harm to the environment.

In contrast, the other options involve genuine environmental efforts or practices: implementing sustainable practices is about making authentic changes to reduce environmental impact; using eco-friendly packaging genuinely contributes to sustainability; and conducting environmental assessments is crucial for understanding a company’s environmental footprint. These actions contribute positively to sustainability efforts, while greenwashing represents a deceptive tactic that undermines these values.