What is greenwashing?

One word that you often read or hear in connection with Earth Day is Greenwashing.
The term of this absolutely critical PR method alludes to green as a symbol for environmental protection and washing in the sense of washing clean. In German, the term can be translated as Greenwashing similar to "getting a clean slate".

This is a real problem, because companies put a green cloak on themselves and their products and services and thus mislead consumers.
However, the disinformation that is spread does not necessarily mean untruths. The "green" claims are often true, but the company's core business is usually not environmentally friendly and thus aims to distract from its own other problems and problematic products or processes.
The image is not underpinned by sustainable, "green" strategies and actions, but only communicated as such to the outside world. In other words, an attempt is made to present oneself as more environmentally friendly than one actually is.

• Sustainability VS greenwashing - not so easy to distinguish

Environmental protection is not just about Climate changebut also about the fight against Pollution of the planetand the Exploitation of natural resources. But how do you know which companies are greenwashing and which are actually acting sustainably?
Greenwashing differs from sustainable action in that it is a marketing strategy Marketing strategy strategy, whereas actual sustainability means that the company Act in an environmentally conscious mannerbe it in ecological productionsustainable Energy issues of a company or the general sustainable corporate policy.

• Recognizing greenwashing - what to look out for

It is often difficult for consumers to recognize greenwashing.
But there are a few things you can look out for or do consciously:

• When shopping, make sure to buy products that are in season - this avoids long transportation routes and the fact that lying about sustainability is not encouraged.

• You should take a closer look at labels that are only available in certain supermarkets or only on certain products.

• Incomprehensible technical jargon or pompous language - it is better to question and possibly leave it alone.

• If the company has regularly attracted negative attention in the past and suddenly claims to be "sustainable", this is an indication that it is greenwashing.