Question 78 from UPSC CSE 2022 - Current Affairs

Question

Which one of the following best describes the term "greenwashing"?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound

Strategy: The strategy focuses on the phrase 'conveying a false impression.' The term 'greenwashing' is specifically used when companies mislead consumers about their environmental practices. This distinguishes it from other options that refer to financial omissions or policy actions, which do not fit the context of deception or misrepresentation seen in greenwashing.

Key Info: ## Understanding Greenwashing

Greenwashing is the deceptive practice by organizations or companies of marketing products, policies, or activities as environmentally friendly, when in reality they are not making significant efforts to minimize environmental impact. The term, which emerged in the 1980s, is used to criticize superficial environmental claims that serve marketing or public relations purposes rather than substantive green practices.

### Common Tactics
*   Eco-themed advertising
*   Vague sustainability labels
*   Selective disclosure of environmental information

### Regulatory Context
Regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US, have issued guidelines on environmental marketing claims to limit greenwashing.

### Genuine Practices
In contrast, genuine environmental initiatives involve transparent reporting and verifiable sustainable practices.

Answer

Option B: Non-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country

Answer

Option C: Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development

Answer

Option D: Making mandatory provision for environmental costs in a government project/programme