Is ‘greenwashing’ thwarting your eco-efforts?
It’s not simple going inexperienced, as greenwashing (aka advertising spin) could make some merchandise seem extra eco-friendly than they’re. Right here’s the way to sidestep false claims.
Globally, customers have gotten extra eco-conscious, demanding greater environmental requirements.
However there are issues that some companies are advertising themselves as extra environmentally pleasant than they really are.
Generally known as greenwashing, right here our specialists share recommendations on the way to keep away from it.
Ignore the photographs
Based on Planet Ark head of round economic system packages Ryan Collins, it pays to be cautious of brand name photographs.
Ryan says footage of pristine wilderness could make us assume one thing is environmentally pleasant when it will not be, whereas colors like inexperienced may give the concept that a product is earth pleasant.
“They’re making an attempt to painting a sense which doesn’t essentially translate into the precise environmental credentials of the product or model,” Ryan says.
Keep away from jargon
Fluffy language – together with phrases similar to “pure”, “inexperienced”, “eco-friendly”, “moral” or “sustainable” – is usually used with none proof of a product’s environmental affect will be thought of greenwashing.
“(The phrase) ‘pure’ sounds good, however numerous issues are pure, together with numerous dangerous chemical substances,” Ryan says.
These phrases are additionally subjective, so “sustainable” could imply various things to completely different individuals, he provides.
Watch out for “biodegradable”
Merchandise claiming to be biodegradable ought to be handled with warning, Ryan says. Biodegradable supplies are decomposed by residing organisms however can take a whole lot of years to interrupt down.
“With out impartial verification, there’s no widespread understanding of how lengthy it takes to interrupt down – it might nonetheless persist within the setting, doing harm for a really very long time,” he says.
Test compostables
Compostable packaging will solely assist the planet you probably have entry to a composting facility, Ryan says.
Compostable merchandise that find yourself in landfill produce methane, a potent greenhouse fuel, as they decompose.
Merchandise that declare compostability ought to be backed up with certification proving they’ll break down in a set timeframe underneath particular circumstances.
Get recycling proper
An unofficial recycling image reveals an merchandise can, in principle, be recycled however doesn’t assure your council can settle for it for recycling, Ryan says.
Sustainability Victoria recommends avoiding pre-packaged merchandise the place potential and selecting objects wrapped in packaging your council recycles.
Search for the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) on a product to know which components of the packaging are recyclable.
“It’s the one recycling label that’s evidence-based – it takes into consideration the supplies used within the packaging, the scale and weight of packaging, and the inks and dyes used,” Ryan says.
Labels that matter
Certification from respected third-party certification our bodies can supply consolation a couple of enterprise’s environmental credentials.
“It may be difficult, however looking for the certification can actually assist customers,” Ryan says.
Look out for these labels:
- Good Environmental Alternative Australia (GECA)
- The Blue Fish Tick, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
- Rainforest Alliance
- Fairtrade
- Australian Licensed Natural Commonplace
Purchase much less
Cut back consumption to enhance your environmental footprint, advises Treasured Plastic Melbourne co-founder Kayla Mossuto.
Kayla suggests these sensible methods:
- Purchase second-hand or borrow the place potential.
- Restore slightly than throw away objects.
- Give away objects you’re finished with to allow them to proceed their life cycle slightly than go to landfill.
- Discover inventive methods to make use of meals scraps, then compost what’s left.
“Shopping for retail is definitely a final resort,” Kayla says.
“However when mandatory, I decide to buy objects comprised of sustainable, long-lived supplies, merchandise which can be ethically made and, ideally, domestically made.”
Written by Melissa Iaria.
