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

Some observers, such as campaigner Greta Thunberg, have accused previous COPs of "greenwashing" - letting countries and businesses promote their climate credentials without actually making the changes needed.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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