greenwashing

1 of 2

noun

green·​wash·​ing ˈgrēn-ˌwȯ-shiŋ 

-ˌwä-

: the act or practice of making a product, policy, activity, etc. appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is

The practice of greenwashing appears more common as firms attempt to better position themselves in a global marketplace growing more concerned with corporate sustainability.

—Timothy W. Aurand et al.

Not only is greenwashing bad for the environment, but it's misleading to consumers who want to invest in products that aren't harmful to the planet.

—Jennifer Manfrin

The greenwashing allegation … adds to efforts to heap pressure on some of the world's biggest polluting companies as regulators take an increasing interest in climate change.

—William Mathis and Austin Weinstein Bloomberg

A lack of rigorous measurement means that greenwashing is rife and bogus claims go uncontested.

—The Economist

greenwashing

2 of 2

present participle of greenwash

Examples of greenwashing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While some may accuse wealthier countries of greenwashing, preserving trees benefits the environment more than using them for timber. —Ken Silverstein, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2025

In an effort to combat greenwashing, the Canadian government has amended the Competition Act, adding a new provision that regulates environmental claims in marketing materials. —Jon McGowan, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Many advocates have decried it as greenwashing, claiming that companies are using climate goals as a branding exercise. —Justin Worland, TIME, 28 Sep. 2024

On June 20, the Canadian Parliament amended the Competition Act to regulate environmental claims in marketing in an effort to prevent greenwashing in Canada. —Jon McGowan, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

greenwash entry 1 + -ing entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1990, in the meaning defined above