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

“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

Though the agency only pursues a few greenwashing cases a year, its guides — which are guidelines instead of laws — are the only national benchmark for evaluating recycling claims.

From Salon

Were there a greenwashing hall of fame, this would be in it.

From Los Angeles Times

“The specter of greenwashing that we’re all worried about, at a system level, is not a huge concern today,” he said.

From Salon