Combating Greenwashing Tactics and Embracing the Economic Success of Sustainability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48001/veethika.2023.09.03.002Keywords:
Green washing, Sustainability, Legislative framework, Consumer educationAbstract
Green Washing refers to the deceptive practice of making a company or its products appear more environmentally friendly than they genuinely are, often to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-conscious choices. Eliminating Green Washing is essential for the development of sustainable business practises and for safeguarding customers from fraudulent, greenwashed promises. The paper seeks to bridge theory and practise by offering an analysis of ten firms accused of greenwashing. Thus, the paper considers deliberate organisational and communicative practises that go beyond greenwashing's most obvious forms. Based on these instances, prevalent communication blunders and corporate misconduct behaviours in corporate sustainability are exposed. A strong legislative framework is urgently needed to make sure that businesses that make false environmental claims are held accountable and subject to severe fines to have a deterrent impact. Better consumer education and knowledge about the problem of "green washing" and how to spot it are also necessary. Businesses can adopt third-party certification programmes and independent audits. Companies should endeavour to be upfront and honest in their environmental claims, prioritise sustainability, and encourage good governance to avoid "greenwashing."
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