Half of Americans Exaggerate Environmental Habits to Impress Others, New Poll Finds

Are you guilty of “greenwashing”? A new survey commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and conducted by OnePoll found that half of Americans exaggerate their environmental habits to impress others. This phenomenon, called “greenwashing,” is akin to “catfishing” in the world of online dating. The survey of 2,000 Americans revealed that 53 percent of respondents have exaggerated their environmentally sustainable practices specifically to impress others, and 54 percent have exaggerated their environmentally sustainable practices in general.

While some individuals may be guilty of greenwashing, the survey also delved into this from a corporate perspective. Forty-five percent of respondents have purchased an item solely because it was marketed as sustainable, but only 27 percent are “very confident” they can tell when a company is genuine versus when they’re trying to appear more environmentally sustainable than they are. This might be why 42 percent have purchased something, only to later realize the company they bought it from wasn’t as sustainable as it seemed.

The survey also revealed that 54 percent of respondents are less likely to practice environmentally sustainable habits if nobody can see them. However, the top reasons for people being environmentally sustainable are caring for the planet and wanting to protect it for future generations, it feeling “like the right thing to do,” and environmentally sustainable actions making respondents “feel good.” Respondents also want to be positive role models and said their loved ones encourage them to be sustainable.

Despite falling for sustainably-marketed products, 79 percent of respondents believe it’s important to shop at environmentally sustainable companies, and 78 percent agree that more companies should be committed to environmentally sustainable practices.

So, what can we do to combat greenwashing? Educate ourselves on what to look for in genuinely sustainable products and companies. Look for independent, third-party certifications that validate a company’s environmental claims. And, most importantly, don’t exaggerate your own environmentally sustainable habits just to impress others. Remember, when it comes to sustainability, it matters less what people think and more that we all just do the best we can. Let’s take care of our planet and protect it for future generations.

Earthlings For Life Tee by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

Related Content:

• EU Takes Action Against Greenwashing and Tesco is Called Out on Biodegradable Claims
• How Companies Like Coca-Cola Are Greenwashing Over Plastic Packaging
• McDonald’s Net Zero Location Accused of Greenwashing
• 5 Ways to Spot Greenwashing
• Environmental Concern on the Rise, but Greenwashing is Confusing People

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