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greenwashing
/ˈɡriːnˌwɒʃɪŋ/
deceptive marketing to appear environmentally friendly
The company was accused of greenwashing after its new 'eco-friendly' product was found to use non-recyclable materials.
This example shows a company falsely promoting its product as environmentally friendly when it is not.
formal
The practice of making an organization or product appear more environmentally friendly than it actually is, often through misleading claims or marketing.
Many corporations engage in greenwashing to attract eco-conscious consumers without making meaningful sustainability changes.
This highlights how companies use greenwashing to appeal to environmentally aware customers without real improvements.
Greenwashing is often used to boost public image or sales without genuine environmental commitment.
Collocations
greenwashing claimsfalse environmental claims made by a companygreenwashing tacticsmethods used to deceive consumers about environmental friendliness
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Spotting Greenwashing
Look for vague terms like 'natural' or 'eco-friendly' without specific certifications or evidence.
Gold Rule
Ethical Marketing
Companies should avoid greenwashing by providing clear, verifiable evidence of their environmental efforts.
Word Origin
Coined in the 1980s by environmentalist Jay Westerveld, combining 'green' (environmental) and 'whitewashing' (covering up wrongdoing).
Usage Notes
Common in corporate and political contexts where environmental responsibility is falsely emphasized.
Word Breakdown
green
related to environmentalism
rootwashing
covering up or disguising something
rootEnglish Dictionary