Just Because It's 'Green' Doesn't Mean It's Sustainable
Find out if you are falling victim to unclear green marketing claims.
What is a 'green' product?
Does an 'eco-friendly' tag persuade you to buy the product?
Here's the catch: "green" doesn't automatically equate to sustainability.
True sustainability involves considering environmental impacts throughout a product's life cycle to ensure responsible resource use, minimal ecological harm, and ethical practices.
Why should I be cautious of 'green' products?
Being a consumer today is overwhelming! We are constantly being told to support products that are better for the planet.
The burden is heavy, and not every corporation is transparent about its business model.
It is often easy to throw up your hands and purchase the first product that makes claims such as 'sustainable,' 'recyclable,' 'eco-friendly,' and more. Unfortunately, due to greenwashing and other sustainable marketing tactics, these are the products environmentalists need to be even more wary of.
Here's why you should be cautious of
purchasing green products solely based on sustainability claims:
Greenwashing:
Some companies may exaggerate or misrepresent their environmental efforts to attract eco-conscious consumers. This deceptive practice is known as greenwashing, where companies give a false impression of being environmentally friendly without implementing substantial changes.
Lack of regulation:
The term "sustainable" is not always regulated or standardized, leading to a lack of consistency in how companies define and use it. Without clear guidelines, consumers can fall for misleading claims.
Incomplete information:
Sustainable claims on a product might only focus on one aspect of its lifecycle, such as production while ignoring other environmental impacts like transportation, packaging, or disposal. Consumers need to consider the overall sustainability of a product.
Unsubstantiated claims:
Some companies make vague or unsubstantiated sustainability claims without providing evidence or transparent information. Consumers should look for products with credible certifications or verifiable data to support their environmental claims.
True impact vs. perception:
A product labeled as "sustainable" may not necessarily have a positive impact on the environment. Consumers should assess whether the claimed sustainability measures contribute meaningfully to environmental protection.
Ethical considerations:
Sustainability not only considers environmental aspects but also social and ethical factors. Consumers should be aware of the overall ethical practices of a company, including fair labor practices and social responsibility.
The last thing we want to happen to our environmentally-minded consumers is for companies to take advantage of your desire to make a difference. This is why assessing a company and its product is important before considering spending your hard-earned money.
By combining information from various sources and using a critical eye, you can make more informed decisions about the legitimacy of a company's green claims.
How do I assess 'green' claims?
Arming our audience with tools to identify real, sustainable products from fake ones is our priority. Once you can spot these false claims immediately, building your sustainable lifestyle will be much easier.
Here are 10 ways you can assess a company's 'green' claims:
Scrutinize the company's transparency:
Assess the transparency of the company in disclosing information about its sustainability practices. A sustainable company should provide clear, detailed information about its environmental initiatives, goals, and achievements.
Check for certifications:
Look for third-party certifications from recognized organizations that verify the product's environmental claims to ensure their credibility. (ENERGY STAR, USDA Organic, or certifications from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council.)
Conduct a lifecycle assessment:
Assess whether the company has conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the product. A comprehensive LCA considers the environmental impact of a product from its origin of raw material extraction to its manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal. A company with genuine sustainability efforts will address environmental impacts at every stage.
Analyze their supply chain practices:
Investigate the company's supply chain practices. Companies committed to sustainability often work with suppliers who follow ethical and environmentally responsible practices.
Review environmental reports:
Look for publicly available environmental or sustainability reports on the company's website. These reports provide insights into the company's environmental goals, progress, and challenges.
Assess their use of resources:
Evaluate the company's energy consumption and resource use. A commitment to sustainability includes the apparent effort to reduce or neutralize energy consumption, use or prioritize renewable energy sources, and steer clear of resource depletion.
Take a look at their social responsibility:
Consider social responsibility aspects, such as fair labor practices, community engagement, and philanthropy. Sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass ethical and social considerations.
Compare with industry standards:
Compare the company's sustainability practices with industry standards. Some industries may have benchmarks or best practices that companies should adhere to for responsible and sustainable operations.
Seek third-party verification:
Verify the company's claims through third-party assessments or audits. Independent organizations can provide unbiased evaluations of a company's environmental practices.
Look at the reviews and ratings:
Check consumer reviews and ratings. While not a definitive measure, positive feedback from consumers who have researched the company's sustainability practices can be a good sign.
Corporate responsibility isn't always a company's priority, so consumers must know the difference and support a green economy instead.
Remember that a truly green company will demonstrate a commitment to sustainable sourcing, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and ethical labor practices.
Having a hard time shopping sustainably?
Imagine having access to a marketplace with vetted companies proving to be making a difference. No longer will you have to worry about doing the work to ensure products and services are "green," nor exhaust yourself trying to see through greenwashing tactics.
We aim to push humanity toward an economic model that lives in balance with nature and focuses on people, the planet, and prosperity for all.
By highlighting innovative companies willing to step out of the status quo, we help you become a part of a living economy.
We are in the process of building our green economy and would like you to be the first to see it.
Sign up for our email newsletter here and receive a weekly update on eco insights, tips, and more.
Click here to access our blog for free articles on the best sustainable shopping recommendations.
With Carom, businesses, organizations, and people will have the opportunity to build a better economy that changes the world for the better for the prosperity of people and the planet.
Key Takeaways:
True sustainability involves considering environmental impacts throughout a product's life cycle to ensure responsible resource use, minimal ecological harm, and ethical practices.
It is often easy to throw up your hands and purchase the first product that makes claims such as 'sustainable,' 'recyclable,' 'eco-friendly,' and more. Unfortunately, due to greenwashing and other sustainable marketing tactics, these are the products environmentalists need to be even more wary of.
Sign up for our email newsletter here and receive a weekly update on eco insights, tips, and more.
