GREENWASHING
Greenwashing is when a company or organisation deliberately makes a product or policy appear more environmentally friendly, or less environmentally damaging than it really is. It conveys a false impression, or misleading information, about a company’s environmental practices.
There is huge concern regarding companies that miscommunicate their efforts to address their environmental footprint. This can be done with intention or not. They do this to make themselves look like an “ethical” corporation.
Thermal Energy-from-Waste production is often marketed as a sustainable solution, when it is not the most environmentally responsible option compared to alternatives like recycling, composting, and waste reduction.
Promoting incineration as a "renewable" energy source, especially when it involves burning plastics derived from fossil fuels, is Greenwashing.
References
- UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute - What is greenwashing and bluewashing, and why should we care about it?
- Australian Secturities & Investments Commision (ASIC) - Information Sheet 271: How to avoid greenwashing when offering or promoting sustainability-related products.
- Investopedia - Greenwashing: Definition, How It Works, Examples, and Statistics.