Greenwashing & Healthwashing

Greenwashing is a marketing tactic where companies pretend their product or brand is environmentally friendly to appeal to conscious consumers.

Common tricks include:

• Buzzwords like “eco-friendly,” “sustainable,” or “plant-based” without verified certification
• Green packaging or imagery to imply health or environmental benefit
• Highlighting one minor sustainable feature while ignoring major environmental harms

Example:

• A bottled smoothie labeled “organic” and “sustainably sourced” but packaged in non-recyclable plastic and loaded with refined sugar. 🍹♻️

Healthwashing is similar but focuses on making a product appear healthier than it is.

Common tricks include:

• “Low-fat” cookies that are sugar bombs
• “Gluten-free” baked goods that are ultra-processed
• Highlighting one “superfood” ingredient while the rest is artificial or refined

Example:

• A protein bar branded “all-natural” with 20+ unrecognizable ingredients and multiple sugar forms. 🍫❌

Both greenwashing and healthwashing:

• Mislead consumers and exploit trust
• Can lead to poor health or environmental choices
• Create the illusion of doing good while benefiting the company financially

💡 Fun (or tragic) fact: Research shows that products labeled “eco” or “natural” can actually have higher levels of sugar, calories, or additives than conventional versions — proof that marketing can outshine reality.

1. Check the ingredient list – real health is in the details.
2. Look for certifications – USDA Organic, Fair Trade, Non-GMO Project Verified.
3. Beware of vague claims – “supports wellness,” “detox,” “plant-powered” without specifics.
4. Consider the whole product – a single “superfood” doesn’t make a candy bar healthy.