You may have heard the term 'greenwashing' — it's what happens when companies deceptively market their products as environmentally friendly without making significant efforts to minimise their environmental impact.
With eco products, greenwashing can manifest in several ways. Here are the key points to be aware of:
Common greenwashing tactics
Companies may use terms like "eco-friendly," "green," or "natural" without providing specific details about what makes the product sustainable. These terms can be misleading without clear, measurable criteria.
2. Selective transparency
3. False certifications
Some products display fake or irrelevant certifications. Authentic certifications come from recognised and trustworthy organisations that have strict criteria, such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and USDA Organic.
Red flags to look out for
1. Lack of detailed information
Genuine eco-friendly products often provide detailed information about their materials, manufacturing processes and disposal methods.
2. Overemphasis on packaging
Eco-friendly packaging does not necessarily mean the product itself is sustainable. Assess both the packaging and the product.
3. Short product lifespan
Products that wear out quickly and need frequent replacement generate more waste, which diminishes their sustainability.
4. Non-biodegradable or non-recyclable components
Truly eco-friendly products are entirely biodegradable or recyclable, or else the untreatable component is easily separated from the rest. For example, if a product contains synthetic fibres or other non-biodegradable materials blended with recyclable components, it will likely still contribute to microplastic pollution.
Examples of potential greenwashing in eco sponges
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"Natural" but with synthetic additives
A sponge might be labeled as natural but contain synthetic adhesives or coatings that compromise its biodegradability.
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Compostable but not in practice
Some sponges may claim to be compostable but only in industrial composting facilities, which are not widely accessible. Home compostability is a more practical and verifiable claim.
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Recycled content without clear percentage
Some sponges may claim to be made from recycled materials without specifying the percentage of recycled content, making the claim less meaningful.
To avoid falling for greenwashing when purchasing eco sponges and other products, research and confirm the product claims, look for specific information and reputable certifications, and check reviews from other users. By doing so, you can make more informed decisions and support genuinely sustainable products, like Seep!
Anti Greenwashing with Seep Eco Sponge Scourer
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Our Eco Sponge Scourer is 100% plastic-free as it's made from wood pulp cellulose and loofah, sewed together with organic cotton. It's also home compostable and comes in FSC-certified recyclable packaging printed with natural inks. |
