While an ever-increasing number of consumers want to do their part to make sure their shopping decisions benefit the planet, it is apparent that environmental issues can be very complex. And marketing claims relating to these issues can be difficult to understand.
Consumers who are making decisions often must take environmental claims on faith. But what happens when businesses make environmental claims that are deceptive?
Our role is to stop this kind of practice, so that consumers can make choices between competing products without being deceived by fake green claims. If a company claims a product or service is “green”, take a moment to reflect on that claim.
Shop smart
- Remember that while some “green” claims are true, others may be false, misleading, or not adequately and properly tested or substantiated.
- Be vigilant against environmental claims that seem vague such as “eco-friendly” and “safe for the environment”. Without any further explanation of the claim, it might lead to misinterpretation and deception.
- Don’t be fooled by nature-themed images like water, clouds, plants, animals and earth, or colours used on packaging and in marketing.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out to the company to ask them questions.
- Remember: all consumer goods have an impact on the environment, including those that claim to be "green".
If you believe that a business may have made a false, misleading or unsupported environmental claim, report it to the Competition Bureau.
Further reading
- Consumer alert: Be on the lookout for greenwashing
- Don’t be bamboozled: the real deal with "bamboo fabric"
- Keurig Canada to pay $3 million penalty to settle Competition Bureau’s concerns over coffee pod recycling claims
- Up to $290.5 million in compensation for Canadians in Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche emissions case
- Get involved in the Circular Economy