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.

---

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

---

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

InfluenceMap, founded in 2015 to encourage action to tackle the climate crisis, highlighted companies at the most significant risk of 'net zero greenwash'.

From Reuters • Nov. 16, 2023

"What we really need are standards, so that it's clear what constitutes misleading information, and transparency, so that consumers and voters can tell the greenwash from the genuine efforts for change."

From Science Daily • Sep. 21, 2023

“The company has been able to benefit from a sustainability-linked bond and greenwash itself for potential investors.”

From Washington Post • Jan. 18, 2023

Along the way, net zero has become a corporate buzzword for companies and groups seeking to burnish their green credentials, though environmental activists worry it’s becoming greenwash.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2022