In a world where greenwashing is running rampant, it's essential to hone our skills in distinguishing genuine environmental efforts from optical illusions.
“Greenwashing” is a marketing ploy used by companies to make themselves seem environmentally friendly, even when they're not.
As the public's awareness of environmental issues increases, more and more sectors are keen to promote their green credentials. Fast fashion and fossil fuel companies are particularly notorious for greenwashing.
Can you tell the treats from the tricks?
Buying products labelled as “eco-friendly”, “natural” or “green” is the best choice.
Trick! Some companies shout about their small ethical or sustainable line when the majority of their products and practices don’t meet those standards – this is an example of greenwashing. Always be sure to check packaging to see if there’s any more information to justify their use of “green” buzzwords and look for credible certification schemes.
When it comes to food, buying local produce is always the best option.
Trick! While eating local supports our local economy – like our farms – the best food choices for the planet are more about the produce we eat and how it’s produced.
These factors have more of an impact on our food carbon footprint than purely where it comes from in terms of distance. So, supporting local can of course be a part of that, but it’s important to remember that production of locally sourced beef emits more greenhouse gases than some fruits and vegetables that are shipped over, for example. Local produce doesn’t automatically mean the best choice for the planet.
An energy-efficient home is good for the planet.
Treat! There are environmental benefits from ensuring buildings and homes are energy efficient. These include significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions – both direct emissions from burning fossil fuels and our usage, as well as indirect emissions from generating electricity. Prioritising energy efficiency is great for our planet and our pockets.
Planting trees is one of the best ways to offset carbon.
Trick! Realistically, planting trees can’t take up all these emissions. Carbon pollution will warm the planet for centuries. Trees and other "nature-based solutions" may only lock up carbon for decades. What’s worse is that some offsetting projects also cause harm. For example, trees can be planted in the wrong place, such as on peatlands, which have a major role in storing carbon. Offsetting initiatives, when done correctly, can have a positive impact, but they're not the solution to reducing carbon.
Recycling is key when it comes to managing our waste.
Trick! And our answer is a bit of a trick too… Yes, recycling is a key player when it comes to building a more sustainable and harmonious planet. But recycling should be thought of as a package deal. The popular slogan “reduce, reuse and recycle” promotes circular economy practices, which are vital when it comes to managing our waste. While recycling is a player, we need a concerted team effort to reduce our waste. We need to reuse more and reduce what we purchase to truly be managing our waste in the best possible way.
People in the UK feel confident that the UK is "well prepared" for hotter summers.
Trick! June 2023 was confirmed as the hottest June in the UK since records began in 1884. When surveyed, only 4% of adults thought the UK was "well prepared" for hotter summers. Alarming.
If we’re to combat the worst effects of climate change, corporations need to lead the way.
Treat! There are no tricks here and the evidence is clear: since 1988, just 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It's vital corporations acknowledge their major role in the climate change crisis. More importantly, action is necessary from corporations to combat the worst effects of climate breakdown. This change needs to happen now.
How did you do?
The distinction between treats and tricks in the climate space can be quite tricky. Greenwashing is becoming all too common, and it’s everyone's responsibility to scrutinise the information presented to us, so we can challenge inaccuracies and injustices. It’s true what they say, knowledge is power – it helps us demand better from those in power and guides our day-to-day choices.
