green·wash·ing
ˈgrēn-ˌwȯ-shiŋ 
-ˌwä-
: the act or practice of making a product, policy, activity, etc. appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is
The practice of greenwashing appears more common as firms attempt to better position themselves in a global marketplace growing more concerned with corporate sustainability.—
Timothy W. Aurand et al.
Timothy W. Aurand et al.Not only is greenwashing bad for the environment, but it's misleading to consumers who want to invest in products that aren't harmful to the planet.—Jennifer Manfrin
Jennifer ManfrinThe greenwashing allegation … adds to efforts to heap pressure on some of the world's biggest polluting companies as regulators take an increasing interest in climate change.—William Mathis and Austin Weinstein Bloomberg
William Mathis and Austin Weinstein BloombergA lack of rigorous measurement means that greenwashing is rife and bogus claims go uncontested.—The Economist
The Economistgreenwashing
2 of 2present participle of greenwash
Examples of greenwashing in a Sentence
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Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
For wine lovers tired of greenwashing who wish producers would put their money where their mouth is, the bottles have a special back label showing that it is transported to the U.S. by sailboat.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2025
While some may accuse wealthier countries of greenwashing, preserving trees benefits the environment more than using them for timber.
—Ken Silverstein, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2025
In an effort to combat greenwashing, the Canadian government has amended the Competition Act, adding a new provision that regulates environmental claims in marketing materials.
—Jon McGowan, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
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Noun
Ignore bogus tree planting initiatives and other similar greenwashing schemes.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
For wine lovers tired of greenwashing who wish producers would put their money where their mouth is, the bottles have a special back label showing that it is transported to the U.S. by sailboat.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2025
While some may accuse wealthier countries of greenwashing, preserving trees benefits the environment more than using them for timber.
—Ken Silverstein, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2025
In an effort to combat greenwashing, the Canadian government has amended the Competition Act, adding a new provision that regulates environmental claims in marketing materials.
—Jon McGowan, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for greenwashing
Dictionary Entries Near greenwashing
Cite this Entry
“Greenwashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greenwashing. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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