How do I spot greenwashing when I shop?

A green color scheme and words like “natural” do not prove that a product has a smaller environmental impact.

Be skeptical of vague words like “natural” or “eco-friendly” without evidence. Look for specific materials, repairability, durability, credible third-party certifications, and a clear explanation of what was measured—not just green packaging.

Why vague green claims are so hard to catch

Greenwashing works because it sells a feeling instead of a fact. A leafy logo, earthy colours, and words like “natural” make a product feel responsible without proving anything about how it was made, how long it will last, or where it ends up. Companies know most shoppers decide in seconds, so the packaging does the persuading. Learning to pause and look for evidence turns you from the audience of an advert into a judge of it.

What to do, step by step

1. Translate every claim into a question: “eco-friendly” how, exactly, and compared with what?
2. Look for specifics — named materials, percentages, and measured results beat warm adjectives every time.
3. Check for credible third-party certifications, then confirm the label actually covers this product, not just one ingredient.
4. Judge the whole product: durability, repairability, and packaging often matter more than one green feature.
5. Be wary when a huge company advertises one small green line while its main business stays unchanged.