We've all heard of "greenwashing" by now, but I recently came across a few phrases that I had never heard of before, so I thought I would share them with you.

I am sharing these not because I necessarily agree with all of these summaries, or the subtext, or their application to the companies mentioned, but because some of these phrases do help articulate why some types of superficially positive campaigns, behaviours and actions might leave you with that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. Some of these terms are a little bit harsh or one-sided. You can judge for yourself.

1. Greenrinsing: Setting targets, with great fanfare, then slowly and quietly lowering/changing them over time as the deadline draws nearer.
2. Greenlabelling: Misleadingly labelling something as 'green' (or sustainable, eco-friendly, etc), or using a logo or imagery that implies that the product and/or company is environmentally friendly, when it is not.
3. Greenlighting: Shining a spotlight on one environmentally-friendly initiative or activity, and taking attention away from environmentally detrimental activities happening elsewhere, usually at the same company but possibly within its supply chain.
4. Greenshifting: A little like 'gaslighting', where a company tells its customers how to change or measure their behaviours to reduce their own negative environmental impact, instead of getting its own house in order.
5. Greencrowding: Companies that join a group that sounds like it's doing a lot of good for the environment (the example given in the article is the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, which the article claims might not be all it is cracked up to be). I make no comment on that particular group as I don't know enough about it, but the principle is that such groups imply some significant environmental benefit, but look and sound more effective than they really are. Also, members of such groups might often choose to move at the pace of the slowest/weakest member of the pack. 
6. Greenhushing: Under-reporting or hiding ESG credentials from public view to evade scrutiny.

Full credit goes to the green section of euro news, where you can find a more detailed explanation of each new phrase: What is greenhushing? How to spot the sophisticated greenwashing tactics being used in 2023 (euronews.com)