EP.27/ A Tool Everyone Needs To Combat Greenwashing: With The Changing Markets Foundation
LISTEN NOW
Mentioned Links:
Check Out GREENWASH.COM
Fossil Fashion Campaign
Follow Changing Markets Foundation on Instagram
H&M Facing Class Action Lawsuit for Greenwashing & Misleading Claims
This episode covers some of the important work the Changing Markets Foundation has been up to with a specific focus on their latest campaign: greenwash.com. We talk about the need for legislative action and brand accountability in fashion, as well as ways you can get involved in leading this change. We also discuss some major never-before-seen industry developments such as the H&M lawsuit and gain insight into how campaigns like greenwash.com, Fossil Fashion and others are connected to legal accountability.
The Episode At A Glance:
FASHION SYSTEMS AND GREENWASHING
In this section, George explains how the system of fashion is not made for us to value our clothes, but instead, to consume and collect without much thought. We discuss the confusion individuals face when learning about sustainability and wanting to make better decisions and how the first thing that’s promoted is which purchasing decision is best - when in reality, the best decisions made have nothing to do with a purchase at all, but with your voice and actions.
TRANSPARENCY ≠ FULL SUSTAINABILITY
George pointed out how it’s important to be cautious when approaching greenwashing, not only because it’s a highly manipulative marketing tactic, but because eradicating greenwashing and obtaining transparency in fashion does not equal full “sustainability” but rather an understanding of how a business runs or operates. And although transparency is essential for us to understand the state of things to improve them. For substantial change to occur, a shift in product production and business processes also has to change and most importantly - decrease.
WHY GREENWASH.COM IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT TOOL
With greenwashing being the monster it is today, it’s getting almost impossible to differentiate between the real deal and the fakers in green. Greenwash.com is a tool anyone can use to expose a variety of greenwashing tactics brands use to sell you their clothes. You simply go onto the site, click on the brand you wish to “wash” and a product description or information from that brand will show up with precise information on how this brand is greenwashing you in their marketing. It’s a must-use tool to stay informed and on track with your fashion values. Make sure to also share it with friends!
LEGISLATIVE ACTION FOR GREENWASHING + H&M CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT
In this section, George and I discussed if creating rules and regulations around misleading claims and greenwashing will be enough to uphold transparency standards or if punitive fines would be necessary. We also discussed how the H&M lawsuit may be a driving lever for change regardless of the outcome, as brands may feel more inclined [by the pressure and possibility of legal action] to be more straightforward and authentic with their production processes.
IN CASE YOU MISSED THE NEWS:
H&M is facing a class action lawsuit over wrongful environmental claims, specifically misleading and false sustainability marketing. This lawsuit also argues the company’s recycling program is also misleading.
More about the lawsuit:
https://qz.com/h-m-is-facing-a-class-action-lawsuit-over-its-wrong-env-1849370514
Ending Note:
If you found this episode useful or resonated with it, please share it with your network or send us a donation so we can continue to bring insightful and educational content your way! Otherwise, you can follow us on Instagram for thought-provoking and insightful content!
