MNN.com > Greenwashing
Greenwashing is a public relations tactic in which an organization deceptively uses marketing to promote claims that a company or product is environmentally responsible or 'green'. The term is a twist on the phrase 'whitewashing' which means to cover up a scandal or crime by presenting manipulated information.
The term greenwashing was coined by Jan Westervelt, and environmentalist whose wrote an essay on the hotel industry's eco-friendly linens marketing that purported to save energy, when in fact the industry at large, was not adhering to the practices in its claims. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Most recent headlines
Group points finger at worst of the worst with Cleaners Hall of Shame list
May 3, 2012, 2:55 p.m. by Matt Hickman
In anticipation of the release of a comprehensive cleaning product safety database this fall, the Environmental Working Group publishes its Cleaners Hall of Shame list to spotlight all of the lowlights.
Mom 'shocked' that Nutella isn't healthy, wins lawsuit
April 27, 2012, 1:07 p.m. by Melissa Breyer
From the 'naive consumer vs. candy company' files, a mom sues confection corporation Ferrero USA for suggesting Nutella could be part of a wholesome breakfast.
The Lorax speaks for the SUVs? Yeah, sounds about right
February 29, 2012, 10:28 a.m. by Chris Turner
The Lorax, defender of the trees, shilling for a gas-guzzling SUV? Cue the outrage, right? Wrong. The Lorax has always been part of the entertainment-industrial complex, and he remains as green as a spokescreature can be in that context.
CBS slapped with 'greenwashing' complaint
April 15, 2011, 10:22 a.m. by Michael d'Estries
Network's EcoAd campaign misleads consumers, say four environmental organizations.
Practical sustainability takes on greenwashing
March 14, 2011, 10:40 p.m. by Networx Systems
John Brown, founder of the Slow Home movement, discusses the fundamentals of building and living in a greener house.
Do bananas need plastic wrap?
March 7, 2011, 4:51 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
Del Monte says its individually wrapped bananas are environmentally friendly. Critics say Del Monte is bananas.
What is 'USDA process verified'?
February 11, 2011, 9:30 a.m. by Robin Shreeves
A label is popping up on chicken in the meat case. Here's what you should know about it.
Next year, let's skip Breast Cancer Awareness Month
November 1, 2010, 1:14 p.m. by Good Magazine
Can the pink ribbon be saved from corporate cause marketing, and actually mean something for women's health?
Mukesh Ambani builds an aggressively opulent home
October 14, 2010, 4:09 p.m. by Matt Hickman
Antilia, the world's first billion dollar home, is completed in Mumbai. While initially marketed as being 'green', the home's size -- 398,000 square feet -- renders any claim of sustainability obsolete.
April 22, 2010, 5:09 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
A wish for you on this day.
Unholy alliance: green NGO's buddy up with big corporations
March 11, 2010, 4:41 p.m. by Karl Burkart
Nature Conservancy, Conservation International, WWF, Sierra Club -- are the biggest environmental NGO's losing credibility by receiving funds from major corporations?
Ripping off Dr. Seuss in the name of coal
January 28, 2010, 11:13 p.m. by Shea Gunther
Massachusetts-based coal company LoraxAg reached deep into the well of greenwash when they picked their name. Too bad it'll probably get them sued.
Loggerhead sea turtles nesting in record numbers in Southeast
How to identify different types of bees
Explore photo galleries »
10 cats that act like dogs (but still have kitty traits)
22 awesome projects for Raspberry Pi
8 deadly diseases cured by modern science