Sustainability is one of the most important values for the Solmates team. From day one, we knew that if we were going to make a sunscreen applicator, it had to truly help reduce plastic waste and not add to the problem. That is why our applicators not only reduce single use plastic, they are also made with recycled plastic and enable us to donate to Plastic Bank every month.

We know that as consumers, it can be tricky to understand if the products you’re buying are good for the environment. That is because some companies mislead people into thinking their products are more environmentally friendly than they actually are.

What is greenwashing?

This term seems to be everywhere these days. But what does it actually mean?  Put simply, greenwashing is when companies exaggerate or mislead to make consumers think their product is more environmentally friendly than it is. This practice has become more widespread since consumers have become more concerned with how their spending habits impact the environment.

In Australia, government agencies such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission are taking steps to crack down on greenwashing, but it is definitely still an issue. 

Why is it a problem?

Well, it misleads consumers as a start. Greenwashing deceives consumers who are trying to make environmentally responsible choices. This can lead to frustration and cynicism, ultimately reducing the overall demand for genuinely sustainable products.

It also undermines genuine efforts. Companies that genuinely invest in sustainable practices may find it harder to compete with those using greenwashing tactics. This can slow down overall progress toward sustainability.

And it hinders environmental progress. When consumers purchase products based on false claims, the environmental impact remains unchanged or worsens. This undermines efforts to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and combat climate change.

So what should you look out for?

1. Read the fine print

Scrutinise product labels and descriptions and look for reputable third-party certifications. You will often see terms like ‘green’ or ‘kind to the planet’ on products or their advertising. It might sound good, but it’s hard to know what it actually means. If you can’t easily find out how a product is doing what it claims to, it might not be true. 

2. Big talk but little action

If a company promotes big environmental claims, such as taking steps to be emissions free by a certain date, they should also give you information on how they plan to do this. Take a look at their website or packaging and if the info is not there, proceed with caution. 

3. Looks good, but is it really?

Some companies will use images or symbols that allude to sustainability, but they don’t actually mean anything. Just because something is packaged in a brown box with a green tick, doesn’t mean it’s good for the environment. Look closer to see if they explain their environmental credentials. If you can’t find them, they may not exist. If in doubt, ask the company some questions! A transparent and responsible company will be willing to provide detailed information.

4. Consider the entire lifecycle

Think about the environmental impact of the product from production to disposal. Choose products that are made sustainably, use minimal packaging, and are biodegradable or recyclable.

5. Support transparent companies

Choose to support companies that are open about their environmental policies and provide detailed information about their sustainability practices.

This list is not exhaustive, but hopefully it will help you on your sustainability journey!