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Writer's pictureKarl Pearsall

Greenwashing. What is it, and why is it a problem?

Updated: Oct 11, 2022


what is greenwashing? visual

Have you ever been misled by a company's eco-friendly promises? Felt duped or had buyer's remorse? There is plenty of it about, it's possible that we may all fall into the trap to some degree. It is fair to say there are 'shades of green'. We must remain realistic as demand creates greener products some are greener than others.


Let's get straight to the point. Greenwashing is when companies or manufacturers deceive consumers with information about how eco-friendly their products are. They state in advertising 'facts' to make people believe the products and practices are more environmentally friendly than they really are.


There are some famous examples of greenwashing by big companies and corporations that you can find online.


Maybe you've heard of when Volkswagen admitted to falsifying emissions tests by using faulty devices in some of their vehicles. Obviously, huge brand damage continues.


It affects us all, last week I watched BBC Panorama, it was exposing a company called Drax for its policy on what raw wood it used to make pellets for power stations to produce our electricity here in the UK.


Cutting down a forest not already sustainably managed is a destruction of nature that probably does not need to happen. Therefore I think it is a fair comparison that it is like bottom dredging fishing the ocean.


Worse, the UK taxpayer is subsidising this company and it did not come away in bright light. I encourage you to watch panorama-the-green-energy-scandal-exposed.


Greenwashing is a huge problem for all companies big and small. The main reason for this is it damages the positive efforts that go into making our planet more sustainable. It takes away buyers trust! When one company does it (especially the big ones) the damage is felt by thousands of others. Of course, it isn't just a business problem. It impacts the whole of society. It can make people think who cares? When the truth is there are hundreds of thousands of businesses and corporations who really do care.


We set out at Original Thing Ltd. to only source products from suppliers who we trust. Who themselves often have supply chains for the raw materials and movements.

We care about the methods and stages of production in what is an ever-evolving pro-environment market. We are doing our best to keep up with new materials uses and best practices - then incorporate and make you aware of them. This includes seeing proof of conforming to health, safety, and environmental criteria.


We like to work with those that can provide paperwork beyond what are the legal requirements and regulations. We will continue to do our best to champion environmental alternatives.


Currently, it is not usual for the more environmentally friendly product to be the least expensive. However, they are strong drivers for the best value and we will do our best to seek it for you. Once you have finished reading this blog post, take a look at our website to see the huge range of products we can supply you with.


Please always ask for information where you are interested or have concerns. Ask for alternatives, I have always said in this industry that questions are the key to success.


Now for some great products, we can source for you from our trusted compliant suppliers!


Umbrella made from RPET



  • 21 inch

  • available in 4 colours

  • brandable pouch - same material

Tote Bags


  • approx 37x41cm

  • available in 6 colours

  • full colour print available alongside other print methods

hemp caps

  • 5 colours to choose from

  • made from 100% hemp material

  • print or embroider front, back or sides

bamboo sunglasses and case


  • bamboo is eco-friendly

  • sunglasses UV400 protection

  • print your design on sunglasses or case

If you have any other products in mind that you don't see here, please don't hesitate to ask. We have a wide range of suppliers we source from with hundreds of bespoke brandable products.


Alternatively, head to our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for further ideas!


To inquire about or order any of these products, contact me today. Ask for a no-obligation visual with your design instruction, we can give you creative input or use one of our templates.


Thank you for reading our blog. We hope you come back again next time!


Karl


00442088411252



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