Greenwashing & Sustainability – Vocabulary List

sustainability

• The ability to maintain or support an activity without damaging the environment.

• A method of increasing production without regard to environmental impact.

• A strategy for maximizing profits at the expense of natural resources.

• A temporary solution to environmental issues.

resale platform

• A website or system where people can sell or buy second-hand clothes.

• A platform for buying brand new items directly from manufacturers.

• A social media site for sharing fashion tips and trends.

• An online auction site for bidding on rare collectibles.

circular economy

• An economic system aimed at eliminating waste by reusing, repairing, and recycling.

• A model focused on maximizing profit through mass production.

• A strategy for reducing government spending on public services.

• A financial approach that prioritizes short-term gains over sustainability.

deceptive advertising

• Misleading marketing that gives a false impression.

• Advertising that is completely truthful and transparent.

• Marketing that uses only factual information.

• Promotional content that is always positive and uplifting.

greenlighting

• Promoting one sustainable initiative to hide a company’s wider negative impact.

• A process of approving new projects in a company.

• A term used for environmental conservation efforts.

• A strategy for increasing company profits through marketing.

greenhushing

• Deliberately not talking about sustainability efforts to avoid scrutiny.

• Actively promoting sustainability initiatives to gain public approval.

• Engaging in environmental practices without any public acknowledgment.

• Discussing sustainability efforts openly and transparently.

honest communication

• Telling the truth about actions and challenges without exaggerating.

• Making promises that are difficult to keep.

• Avoiding difficult conversations to maintain peace.

• Using vague language to prevent misunderstandings.

deceptive imagery

• Using nature-themed visuals to suggest a product is green without proof.

• A technique to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a product.

• An artistic representation that accurately reflects the product's qualities.

• A method of advertising that focuses solely on price.

green consumer

• Someone who prefers to buy products that are less harmful to the environment.

• A person who only buys organic food.

• An individual who avoids all types of consumer goods.

• Someone who supports local businesses regardless of environmental impact.

greenrinsing

• A marketing strategy that promotes sustainability without real commitment.

• Constantly changing sustainability targets before achieving them.

• A method of recycling green materials effectively.

• A process of washing products to remove harmful chemicals.