greenwash

[green-wosh, -wawsh]

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

/ ˈɡriːnˌwɒʃ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of greenwash¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

It accused the scheme of "enabling greenwashing and purpose washing by multinationals".

From BBC

“It’s a bit of greenwashing,” she said, referring to the practice of misleading the public about environmental efforts.

From Salon

“President Aliyev isn’t connected with climate change, but he's looking for COP29 as a unique opportunity to whitewash and greenwash himself, his toxic image,” he said.

From BBC

Done purely for marketing, it has been criticized by environmentalists as a greenwashing tactic.

From Salon