Companies have long used advertising strategies to make their products appear eco-friendly. Referred to as greenwashing, this tradition of dressing up packaging with imagery of the outdoors and broad claims of being organic, whole, or natural, can take on many forms. Perhaps you’re perusing the hair care section of Target when you spot a green bottle, possibly embellished with images of pretty leaves and boasting an “all natural” or “non-artificial” formula. Regardless of details, these sorts of products are packaged in this manner to give potential buyers a sense of connection to the natural world, misleading consumers to view it as the more environmentally friendly choice. In the spirit of Earth Day last April 22, and striving for a more environmentally conscious and appreciative planet on the whole, here are my all-time favorite greenwashing ploys:

This being said, I entirely understand most of the examples listed are the cheaper, more accessible options. My unsolicited recommendation is to avoid these products if feasible, but if Tide Purclean is the detergent in your laundry room I will refrain from unleashing my pack of ravenous environmental science students on you. I’m of the opinion the responsibility of sustainability falls on the company before the consumers. This article is entirely intended for personal entertainment with a modest sub-mission of mocking these brands for their advertising tactics.

*CATHERINE GREENWASHING SCALE