Report Urges Regulators to Ban Deceptive ‘Green’ Claims That Do Not ‘Mean Anything’

Advocates argue that a swift response is necessary to protect consumers from greenwashing and promote more responsible and genuine environmental practices.

An empty recycling can made of plastic. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Australian regulators should ban misleading “green” claims like “clean,” “bio,” and “for the planet,” a new report says.

The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) “Seeing Green” report found that 40 industries, led by the energy sector, make misleading environmental claims in social media ads. Household products, fashion, health and personal care, and travel contribute to the trend.