A recent survey showed 34.4 percent of UK respondents regularly purchased eco-friendly and sustainable products in 2021 which is fantastic news! However, it can be a confusing space for consumers with the liberal use of words such as ‘green’, ‘natural’ or ‘eco-friendly’ on products that potentially don’t hold up to these claims.
The use of ‘greenwashing’ is a word used to describe marketing that uses these terms, but doesn’t translate to actual greener products or practices. As a B-Corp company (currently ranked number two in the world), Dr. Bronner’s strives to deliver sustainable, certified Organic and Fair Trade, natural soap, hair and body care and operates under the ‘All-One Philosophy’. This includes helping to educate consumers so they can make sustainable choices across all the brands they buy.
So, how can consumers avoid falling for the greenwashing spiel?
A guide for consumers so they can avoid buying ‘greenwashed’ products
- Research the company’s claims
If the company’s claims on their website sound vague or very broad without talking about specific initiatives (for example using biodegradable packaging or supporting sustainability charities) there is potential greenwashing taking place. Don’t be afraid to contact companies directly and ask them to expand on their ‘eco-friendly’ promises.
- Look for certification
In the UK, brands cannot make claims such as a being Fair Trade or organic, without having recognised certifications. These can be international certifications and remember the phrase ‘natural’ also doesn’t definitively mean good for the environment. Certifications to look for include: FairTrade Foundation, Fair For Life, World Fair Trade Organisation, USDA Organic, Nature, Soil Association, Rainforest Alliance and Green Seal.
- Eco-friendly imagery doesn’t mean Eco-friendly products!
Marketing and imagery on products can make them look eco-friendly; with lots of fresh produce and natural landscapes. While they look aesthetic pleasing, this can reflect very little about what’s in the products or the company’s ethos.
- Avoid unnecessary packaging
A company may make great claims about being sustainable, but if the product is wrapped in layers of plastic or has unnecessary amounts of packaging (a sealed bottle within a box for example!), it is creating more waste, whether it is recyclable or not. Ideally look for products that are wrapped in bio-degradable packing or post-consumer recycled plastic that can be recycled again.
- Try to look for muti-use or long-lasting products
The best way to be more sustainable is to shop with intention – choose products that will last longer, and that you’ll use to the last drop. Multi-use products can also help decrease the amount of packaging used and waste created. Our 18-in-1 uses Magic Soap (from £2.12 for 60ml) is an excellent example of a product that can be diluted and be used for a huge range of things, from a body soap to washing make-up brushes or even pets.
- Is the product inherently unsustainable?
If a product is single-use or requires single-use plastic, it probably isn’t sustainable in the long-term and it would be better to find an alternative.
- Words to be sceptical of:
- Green
- Natural
- Non-toxic
- Organic (without certification)
- Eco-friendly
Dr. Bronner’s is a family business committed to honouring the vision of our founder Dr. E.H. Bronner by making socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality, and by dedicating our profits to helping make a better world. “All-One!”