Question

Today, consumers are increasingly demanding “green” products, and marketers are responding with more and more products to meet that demand. Some companies, however, are “greenwashing” their products, that is, they are claiming they are more environmentally friendly than they really are.

Instructions

Answer the following questions:

What are some examples of products that you suspect are being greenwashed?

What should be done about this problem?

Should there be laws about greenwashing or should marketers do more to patrol their own actions?

Answer 1

What are some examples of products that you suspect are being greenwashed?

Virgin Trains claiming to be 76% less polluting than domestic flights or cars , as this is weird as domestic flights and international flights are not hugely different and cars and flights have a huge gap in the pollution levels, so this is a clear greenwashed product promotion.

LG green Acs are said to be using green refrigerant and less harmful to the environment, saying eco AC, when they are similar in nature.

What should be done about this problem?

This problem is grave, as it presents a wrong impression and creates a perception in the minds of the consumers who purchase the product thinking the products are better. In this case not so great products are able to beat the better products with a wrong promise. Most of these companies have huge budgets and only with false marketing are able to command the market. So, there should be clear guidelines and penalty for any such false promises. And there should be government agencies monitoring the activities.

Should there be laws about greenwashing or should marketers do more to patrol their own actions?

It is better to have laws about greenwashing as then the control is from a third party, the laws and compliance can be monitored and environmental wellbeing can be ensured.