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Unmasking Greenwashing: A Brief Note to Consumers

Author

Listed:
  • Jaya Kumar Shanmugam

    (Faculty of Accountancy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Kedah)

  • Intan Marzita Saidon

    (Faculty of Accountancy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Kedah)

  • Marjan Mohd Noor

    (N/A)

  • Kartikeyan Lokanathan

    (N/A)

  • Wan Kamarul Hazim Wan Ya

    (N/A)

Abstract

Greenwashing is a tactic used by businesses to portray that their products are environmentally sound. It involves making unsubstantiated assertions to deceive consumers into believing that the products are environmentally friendly or have a positive environmental impact than they do. Acknowledging the significant negative influence of greenwashing on consumers, this paper aims to elucidate this issue. Besides explaining the concept of greenwashing, this paper explores the four common methods. The paper also offers tips to empower consumers in addressing this issue. It is hoped that this effort will help stimulate awareness about greenwashing and ways to curb this issue.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaya Kumar Shanmugam & Intan Marzita Saidon & Marjan Mohd Noor & Kartikeyan Lokanathan & Wan Kamarul Hazim Wan Ya, 2024. "Unmasking Greenwashing: A Brief Note to Consumers," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(10), pages 353-358, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:8:y:2024:i:10:p:353-358
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Hrasky, Sue, 2012. "Visual disclosure strategies adopted by more and less sustainability-driven companies," Accounting forum, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 154-165.
    3. repec:dau:papers:123456789/4687 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Gergely Nyilasy & Harsha Gangadharbatla & Angela Paladino, 2014. "Perceived Greenwashing: The Interactive Effects of Green Advertising and Corporate Environmental Performance on Consumer Reactions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 125(4), pages 693-707, December.
    5. Béatrice Parguel & Florence Benoît-Moreau & Fabrice Larceneux, 2011. "How Sustainability Ratings Might Deter "Greenwashing": A Closer Look at Ethical Corporate Communication," Post-Print halshs-00561187, HAL.
    6. Béatrice Parguel & Florence Benoît-Moreau & Fabrice Larceneux, 2011. "How Sustainability Ratings Might Deter ‘Greenwashing’: A Closer Look at Ethical Corporate Communication," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 102(1), pages 15-28, August.
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