Why Being 'Environmentally Friendly' Is A Scam

Summary

The video explores the rise of 'greenwashing,' where companies make misleading environmental claims about their products to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. It outlines seven common tactics, like highlighting one eco-friendly practice while hiding a larger environmental impact, making unfounded claims, and using vague buzzwords like 'natural.' The video calls out this deception but also provides hope - past environmental victories were hard-fought through regulation and consumer activism. It ultimately argues we must better inform ourselves and participate politically to compel corporations to reduce their environmental harm.

Takeaways

• 😣 Greenwashing is the misleading marketing of products as eco-friendly when they really aren't.
• 😡 Companies make vague claims about being 'eco-friendly' without evidence.
• 🤥 Some companies make outright false environmental claims.
• 😫 Meaningless labels like 'all natural' can be misleading.
• 😠 Third party certifications aren't always trustworthy.
• 😟 Reducing consumption is often better than buying 'eco' alternatives.
• 😌 Regulations have successfully reduced environmental damage before.
• 😃 Consumer movements can pressure companies to change.
• 🙂 More people care about the environment today.
• 💪🏻 We can make a difference by taking action as individuals and collectively.

Q & A

What percentage of products in big box retailers are estimated to fall into one of the seven categories of greenwashing mentioned in the video?

Studies over the last 10 years have found that 90% of products in big box retailers throughout Canada, the US, Australia and the UK fall into one of the seven greenwashing categories mentioned.

What is the 'Sin of the Hidden Trade-off' in greenwashing?

This is when a company highlights the importance of fixing one environmental issue while potentially hiding a more concerning one. The example given is Nestle focusing on recyclable packaging while not taking responsibility for the fact that most plastic bottles still end up in landfills or the ocean.

What does the term 'greenwashing' refer to?

Greenwashing refers to organizations making environmental claims about their products and services that they have no evidence to support, or that are intentionally misleading, in order to sell more products.

What is an example of the 'Sin of Vagueness' in greenwashing?

Using words like 'environmentally friendly' or 'ethical' without explaining exactly how a product is more environmentally friendly or comparing it to other products is an example. The terms are vague without evidence to back them up.

What loophole allows companies to claim their products are 'all natural' when only one minor ingredient fits that description?

Companies can stay 'made with natural flavors' if just one of the flavors they mention is natural, while every other ingredient is artificial or synthetic.

What was found about Volkswagen and emissions testing?

In 2015, the EPA found Volkswagen used emission cheating software to ensure diesel vehicles emitted less gas and appeared cleaner during external testing facilities. They bypassed inspections.

What happened with the Keystone XL pipeline after years of protests?

After a decade of protests over environmental and indigenous concerns, Transcanada cancelled plans for the Keystone XL pipeline in 2021.

How can consumers try to avoid supporting greenwashing?

Being more informed about products and companies, supporting efforts to impact environmental laws and regulations, and joining environmental movements.

What gives the narrator hope that greenwashing can be reduced?

The fact that every day more individuals are caring about the environment, taking a stand in their own lives, and making their voices heard through protests and laws gives the narrator hope.

What is the point of calling out the 'eco fakes' of greenwashing?

It is to provide awareness of common greenwashing tactics used, so consumers can make more informed choices about the products they buy.