Greenwashing is “any deceptive or misleading practice, which includes concealing, omitting, or hiding relevant information, by exaggerating, making vague, false, or unsubstantiated environmental claims and use of misleading words, symbols, or imagery, placing emphasis on positive environmental aspects while downplaying or concealing harmful attributes”.
By misleading the public to believe that a company or other entity is doing more to protect the environment than it is, greenwashing promotes false solutions to the climate crisis that distract from and delay concrete and credible action.
Greenwashing manifests itself in several ways – some more obvious than others. Tactics include:
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has framed Draft Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing. Proposed Guidelines shall be issued under section 18 (2) (l) of the Consumer Protection Act 2019.
Applicability
Guidelines will be applicable to all advertisements and Service provider, product seller, advertiser, or an advertising agency or endorser whose service is availed for the advertisement of such goods or services.
Overview of guidelines
Guideline also provide the provision that vague terms such as 'green', 'eco-friendly', 'eco-consciousness', 'good for the planet', 'cruelty-free', and similar assertions to be used only with adequate disclosures.
The Guidelines prescribe various disclosure that would be required to be made by the company making green claims. The various disclosures are:-
The guidelines also provides that aspirational or futuristic environmental claims may be made only when clear and actionable plans has been developed detailing how those objectives will be achieved.
To view the guidelines, click here.
Last Modified : 2/22/2024
Central Consumer Protection Authority issues ‘Guid...
This topic provides information related to Endorse...
This topic provides information about Grievances A...
Provides information about Dark patterns and consu...