With so many “green” cleaning products on the market, it can be difficult to determine which solutions actually validate environmental claims. Despite efforts to curb greenwashing, which involves making inflated sustainability claims, this misleading practice is still a frequent occurrence. Greenwashing bolsters a brand image as a means to increase profits, but misleads consumers seeking products that are actually sustainable. Awareness of greenwashing red flags will help you in your search to implement cleaning products that are environmentally friendly.
Unmasking the Practice of Greenwashing
A recent study from TerraChoice Environmental Marketing indicated more than 95 percent of tested products made dubious sustainability claims. Some organizations intentionally greenwash, while others have a lack of oversight of their marketing claims. To minimize misleading purchasing decisions, utilize a specification checklist to identify greenwashing:
- Ambiguous claims. Terms like “cruelty-free,” “green” and “all-natural” are unclear claims and typically don’t have evidence supporting them. If you’re skeptical about the language used to describe a cleaning product, take a look at the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guide, which outlines the product claims companies are allowed to make.
- Misleading imagery.A label may feature an image of the planet or wildlife and the color green prominently. However, packaging can be deceiving so it’s important that you take a closer look at the product label, specs and any other information the manufacturer provides.
- Suspect credentials. Just because a seal depicting green is displayed alongside a product does not mean it is officially third-party certified. Being aware of organizations that validate green claims sorts out most misleading products and services. For example, Green Seal® certifies products and services. If certification confirmation is required, refer to the Green Seal website.
Sustainable Solutions that Exceed Customer Expectations
To avoid deceptive marketing tactics regarding environmental responsibility, buyers need to scrutinize products before purchasing. With knowledge of greenwashing red flags, organizations can easily spot the difference between genuine claims as well as false. Selecting sustainable cleaning solutions can help achieve goals such as water, energy and chemical savings as well as reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Trustworthy and transparent manufacturers do not engage in greenwashing. For more information about sustainable cleaning solutions for your business, learn more at www.abcoproducts.com or contact us at (888) 694-2226 today.