We are on the verge of exceeding the +1.5 °C global warming limit, according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) sixth assessment report on climate change, we have three years to cut down our carbon emissions until 2030, or the changes we make after that won't be of much help. It would mean drastic risks to biodiversity, health, food, water, and energy if we exceeded the +1.5 °C global warming limit.
As private businesses continue to prove that they can make quick yet long-term changes, similar to how they swiftly adjusted to the pandemic's impact on health precautions and the working environment, they are urged to do more to ensure long-term sustainability. It's time to act now.
Greenwashing The Fence
Green business practices sure do help the environment, especially now that the clamor for sustainability is at its peak. However, because of the continuous demand and as the public grows more aware of the environmental issues we are facing, green business practices have also become a controversial marketing initiative for some.
Greenwashing was a term coined by the environmentalist Jay Westerveld in 1986 with reference to whitewashing. "Greenwashing" marketing tactics observed by some businesses distort the fundamental idea of sustainability. It is when green business practices and claims are deceptively used to persuade the public that a company is environmentally friendly—even if they aren't!
As more individuals expect and invest in environmentally friendly businesses, here are three greenwashing tricks to be wary of.
3 Greenwashing Tricks To Be Wary Of
1. Deceptive Eco Images
This occurs when corporations use nature imagery such as trees, leaves, animals, the color green, and so on to convey the appearance that their business is more environmentally friendly than they actually are.
2. No Proof
Hiding in the excuses related to competitive sensitivity or trade secrets, some businesses often make eco-friendly claims on their campaigns that they can't confirm with solid proof.
3. Red Herring
This is when businesses make only a tiny portion of their product or service eco-friendly and then aggressively market it, even though the bulk of the product does not make up for its negative impact as it continues to harm the environment.
Act Now
As people become more environmentally conscious, businesses have realized that they can jump on the "green" bandwagon—even if they aren't going to be a sustainable business!
When looking for a sustainable business to support, be sure to look past the marketing and make sure what you see is actually supported by facts. Despite these being common tricks, it is crucial not to let yourself be fooled. Be smart about your decision, do some research, but most importantly act now and help build a better future.
Lead the change to sustainability with JCVA
Find out how you can make your business sustainable!
Email us at info@jcvassociates.ph or visit www.jcvassociates.ph to learn more about our services.
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