Greenwashing: How to Protect Consumers and Make Truly Green Choices

In today’s world, more brands are claiming to be “eco-friendly” than ever before. While this sounds promising, not all of these claims are genuine. Many companies engage in greenwashing—misleading consumers into believing their products or practices are environmentally friendly when they are not. This not only deceives buyers but also slows down genuine progress toward sustainability.

How to Spot Greenwashing

Greenwashing often hides behind vague language like “natural,” “eco-safe,” or “planet-friendly” without providing any clear proof. Sometimes, products feature one small green trait while overlooking their larger environmental impact. For example, a company might advertise recyclable packaging but still use toxic manufacturing processes.

Dos’ for Consumers

• Read labels carefully – look for third-party certifications such as Bureau of Indian Standards.
• Check the facts – visit the brand’s website for transparent info about sourcing, production, and waste management.
• Ask questions – contact companies about their claims; genuine brands welcome consumer inquiries.
• Support local and sustainable – Small producers often stick to old-school, earth-friendly methods without fancy ads, practices or flashy marketing.

Don’ts for Consumers

• Don’t rely solely on the packaging design or green-colored labels.
• Don’t trust broad, unverified statements like “good for the planet” without proof.
• Don’t ignore the full lifecycle impact of the product—from raw materials to disposal.

Why It Matters

Every time consumers choose genuine green products, they reward businesses that are truly working toward sustainability. This puts pressure on companies to shift from misleading marketing to real environmental responsibility.

By staying informed, asking questions, and making mindful purchases, we can cut through the noise of greenwashing and drive real change for our planet.