As Earth month draws closer, it's important to learn about greenwashing. Greenwashing is a marketing tactic used by companies to make products appear more eco friendly than they really are. Greenwashing is misleading and prevents people from making legitimately sustainable choices. We're gonna take a closer look at what greenwashing is and how to avoid it, especially during Earth month.

First, what is greenwashing? Greenwashing is the act of making false or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product or service. It's a way for companies to cash in on the growing demand for eco-friendly products without actually making any changes to their operations. For example, a company might claim that their product is "all natural" when in reality, it contains harmful chemicals. Or they have an “eco-friendly” or “organic” line of clothing while the rest is the pinnacle of fast fashion.

So how can you avoid falling for greenwashing? Start by doing your research. Look for third-party certifications and labels that verify a product's eco-friendliness. The most well-known certification is the Energy Star label, which is awarded to products that meet strict energy efficiency standards. Other reputable certifications include the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Rainforest Alliance, B Corp, and Fair Trade.

Another way to avoid greenwashing is to read the product's ingredients label. If a product claims to be "organic" or "all-natural," check to see if the ingredients list matches up with those claims. Be wary of products that use vague or undefined terms like "eco-friendly" or "green," as these terms are not regulated and can be used misleadingly. This is not to say that all those who use those terms are, in fact, greenwashing. Just to use caution before believing those claims. See if their walk measures up with their talk. 

During Earth month, many companies launch special "green" products or promotions. While some of these may be genuine efforts to reduce environmental impact, others may be greenwashing tactics. To avoid falling for these traps, do your research and look for evidence that the company is actually committed to sustainability year-round.

It's also important to be aware of greenwashing in advertising. Advertisements can be misleading, so don't just take a company's claims at face value. Look for evidence to back up their claims, such as sustainability reports or third-party certifications. If a company is making bold claims without any supporting evidence, it may be greenwashing.

One way to avoid greenwashing is to support companies that are transparent about their sustainability efforts. Look for companies that disclose their environmental impact and set measurable goals for improvement. These companies are more likely to be genuine in their efforts to reduce their environmental footprint.

If you're still unsure about a product's environmental impact, reach out to the company and ask for more information. If a company is truly committed to sustainability, they should be willing to answer your questions and provide evidence to support their claims.

In conclusion, greenwashing is a common tactic used by companies to make their products appear more environmentally friendly than they really are. To avoid falling for greenwashing during Earth month (and all year round), do your research, read labels, look for certifications, and support transparent companies. By taking these steps, you can make truly sustainable choices and help protect our planet.