Greenwashing

With Earth Day just around the corner, consumers might feel inclined to shop more eco-friendly. But buyer beware: some products might claim to be good for the environment, but might actually be doing more harm than good. This practice is called “greenwashing”, intentionally using vague language to mislead people into thinking it’s environmentally friendly. With more information, Dr. Jamie Grigsby, assistant professor of marketing at Missouri State University.

There are a few ways to tell if a product is greenwashing or not. Grigsby recommends looking for companies that participate in third-party oversight like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Organizations that participate in the GRI must meet a set of standards including environmental, social, and economic impact. Another way is to research the products you are using thoroughly to see what they’re really saying when they’re being “green”

For more information on how to find eco-friendly brands, go to www.globalreporting.org or www.ecolabelindex.com.