greenwash

American  

[green-wosh, -wawsh] / ˈgrinˌwɒʃ, -ˌwɔʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to disingenuously incorporate into (a brand, campaign, mission, etc.) a position or agenda that promotes environmentalism, as a ploy to divert attention from policies and activities that are in fact antienvironmentalist.

   Energy lobbyists are attempting to greenwash the industry’s environmental impact while laying out a propolluter policy agenda.

2. to deceive (a consumer) by presenting a product, practice, or policy as more environmentally friendly than it is.

   Young people care about the environmental impact of tourism, and the cruise line hasn’t been able to greenwash these potential customers.

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noun

1. greenwashing.

   We’ve ranked the climate policies and fossil fuel divestment of the largest “sustainable” funds to help you cut through the greenwash with your investments.

greenwash British  

/ ˈɡriːnˌwɒʃ /

noun

1. a superficial or insincere display of concern for the environment that is shown by an organization

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Etymology

Origin of greenwash

First recorded in 1985–90; green ( def. ) (in the sense “environmentally beneficial”) + (brain)wash ( def. ) or (white)wash ( def. )

Example Sentences

Supporters of the legislation say it discourages corporate greenwashing, or marketing that falsely portrays a company’s efforts to reduce climate-warming emissions.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether for or against Total, the ruling could have far-reaching impacts given the limited legal precedents so far with regards to greenwashing claims by fossil fuel giants.

From Barron's

The plaintiffs took that legal route as "greenwashing" -- or the act of claiming to be more environmentally responsible than in reality -- is not specifically covered under French law.

From Barron's

Environmental group River Action, which brought the complaint in 2023, said the ruling showed the scheme was "greenwashing" and urged supermarkets to stop using it.

From BBC

Last month, Wendy’s issued a statement about responsibly sourcing palm oil, though the announcement was criticized as greenwashing.

From Salon