greenwashers
Fake sustainability promoters
Greenwashers are companies or organizations that present a misleadingly environmentally friendly public image.
The term combines "green" (ecological) with "whitewash" (to gloss over wrongdoing).
A corporation might tout a minor recycling initiative while its core operations pollute heavily: Critics called the oil company's sustainability campaign pure greenwashing.
The singular greenwasher applies to individuals or entities engaging in this practice.
Intentional misleading of others
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
- PRStrategic communication management
- marketingPromoting goods to consumers
- spinRapid rotation around axis
branding · eco-labels · false advertising · carbon neutral · ESG · annual reports · press releases · campaigns
Environmental harm from waste
- emissionsSubstances released into air
- fossil fuelsCombustible prehistoric organic deposits
- plasticCapable of being molded
- carbon footprintTotal greenhouse gases produced
offsetting · recyclable · organic · natural · eco-friendly · sustainable packaging · clean energy · renewable
Making something known
- calling outPublicly confronting behavior
- watchdogsProtective guardian animals
- criticsThose who evaluate work
- activistsPeople working for causes
NGOs · investigations · whistleblowers · boycotts · campaigns · accountability · naming and shaming · social media
Corporations selling petroleum products
- fast fashionTrend-driven cheap apparel
- airlinesCommercial flight operators
- automakersCompanies manufacturing vehicles
- banksFinancial institutions or riversides
mining · agriculture · tech giants · energy providers · cosmetics · packaging · retail chains · hospitality
deception
Intentional misleading of others
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
- PRStrategic communication management
- marketingPromoting goods to consumers
spin · branding · eco-labels · false advertising · carbon neutral · ESG · annual reports · press releases · campaigns · logos
pollution
Environmental harm from waste
- emissionsSubstances released into air
- fossil fuelsCombustible prehistoric organic deposits
- plasticCapable of being molded
carbon footprint · offsetting · recyclable · organic · natural · eco-friendly · sustainable packaging · clean energy · renewable · conservation
exposing
Making something known
- calling outPublicly confronting behavior
- watchdogsProtective guardian animals
- criticsThose who evaluate work
activists · NGOs · investigations · whistleblowers · boycotts · campaigns · accountability · naming and shaming · social media · backlash
oil companies
Corporations selling petroleum products
- fast fashionTrend-driven cheap apparel
- airlinesCommercial flight operators
- automakersCompanies manufacturing vehicles
banks · mining · agriculture · tech giants · energy providers · cosmetics · packaging · retail chains · hospitality · finance
greenwashersclimate activists
People demanding environmental action
Patagonia · eco-warriors · environmental activists · conservation organizations