Preventing The Greenwashing Trap

Why 'white lie' or making unsubstantiated claims that could help your business get funding, noticed in the media, or get you to the negotiating table, is never worth it.

In the article "UK Bans' Misleading' Fossil Fuel Ads That Overemphasize Renewables," advertisements from fossil fuel giants Shell, Repsol and Petronas International were banned in the UK for trumpeting investments in renewable energy because they didn't also explain the flipside of each company's contribution to pollution.  

Greenwashing is detrimental to the brand. And while you might think a 'white lie' or making unsubstantiated claims could help your business get funding, get noticed in the media, or get you to the negotiating table, it's never worth it. 

Photo by Arnold Dogelis on Unsplash

The article quotes Guy Parker, CEO of the UK's Advertising Standards Authority,

"Businesses in high-emitting sectors "need to be really careful" with environmental messages. Chances are you're going to need to add some balance to your ads." 

The article said lobbyists, like Ad-Free Cities, are making the case that fossil fuel companies should be banned from advertising, like tobacco. Should we ban fossil fuel companies from advertising?