Greenwashing in Zero Waste
In a world striving to reduce waste, Change Plastic for Good is among the pioneers, producing BDP polymer that aids in the decomposition of plastic waste; however, not all companies in the zero-waste industry are genuine in their environmental endeavours, and a concerning trend of greenwashing has emerged. Greenwashing is a troubling trend, as greenwashing in the zero-waste industry misleads consumers who are striving to make responsible choices for the environment.
Understanding Zero-Waste Greenwashing
Zero waste is a sustainable lifestyle and movement aimed at eliminating waste, particularly single-use plastics, by encouraging the responsible consumption of resources. When companies in the zero-waste sector engage in greenwashing, they mask the true environmental cost of their products and services under the guise of sustainability.
Are there regulations for greenwashing?
Beware of the Biodegradable Claim
A common greenwashing tactic in the zero-waste industry is labelling products as “biodegradable”; however, this term can be misleading. Many products labelled as such require very specific conditions to decompose that are not typically found in natural environments. Genuine zero-waste products should be either compostable, reusable, or able to degrade naturally without causing environmental harm.
Here is some more information on the dangers of greenwashing.
Misuse of the Recycling Symbol
Another greenwashing strategy is the misuse of recycling symbols. Companies slap recycling symbols on packaging, leading consumers to believe that the product or packaging is recyclable; however, not all materials adorned with this symbol are accepted by recycling facilities. This deceit hurts well-intentioned recycling efforts.
Zero-Waste Lifestyle Products Have More Waste Than You Think
Some companies market products as essential for a zero-waste lifestyle. These range from reusable bags to multi-purpose cleaners. Unfortunately, sometimes the production of these zero-waste essentials is far from sustainable. For example, a company might market a cloth bag as an alternative to plastic without disclosing that the production of this bag has a higher carbon footprint than that of several plastic bags.
Support Genuine Zero-Waste Companies
Invest in products and services from companies that are transparent about their sustainability practices and have a track record of genuine commitment to the environment. As a consumer, use your voice to advocate for transparency and demand that companies in the zero-waste industry are held accountable for false and misleading claims.
Our expert team at Change Plastic for Good is a game-changer in the industry, so if you want to join our movement or learn more about our BDP® treated plastic that gets eaten by microbes, do not hesitate to get in touch. Just fill out our online contact form.
