ClimateAugust 17, 2026
greenwashing
GREEN-wosh-ing
Definition
The practice of making misleading claims about the environmental benefits or sustainability of a product, service, or company's practices to appear more eco-friendly than they actually are.
Etymology
Coined in the 1980s by environmentalist Jay Westerveld, it is a portmanteau of the color 'green'—representing environmentalism—and 'whitewashing,' which refers to covering up unpleasant facts to make something appear better.
In the news
The pilot uses the term to describe his skepticism toward the airline industry's environmental initiatives, arguing that their efforts are superficial gestures rather than meaningful changes.
Aussie pilot quits his job after 42 years due to climate change fears
Read the full article ↗Daily Mail