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

"This is fantastic news, but these laudable ambitions mustn't be sidelined by a well-known enemy of the environmental movement: greenwash."

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

But others feel these partial certifications do more to confuse customers and greenwash low-effort moves by agribusiness.

From Salon • Aug. 30, 2022

Malthouse argues that with such backers, .eco would have the authority to certify genuine environmental Organizations and individuals, allowing only them to register a .eco address, and screening out much of the "greenwash" that exists.

From Reuters • Jan. 12, 2012