The Truth Behind the Green: A Deep Dive into Greenwashing

By Jessica Rossow, RID, NCIDQ

April 18, 2024

In our pursuit of sustainability, buzzwords like “green”, “eco-friendly”, and “sustainable” have become ubiquitous.

They appear on product labels, marketing materials, and even in architectural plans. Initially, this surge in eco-consciousness seems promising. However, deception lurks beneath the surface. A phenomenon known as greenwashing could be misleading us into believing we are making more eco-friendly choices than we realistically are.

Greenwashing occurs when a company or product positions itself as eco-friendly when the reality is far from it.

This deception can manifest in various ways – from packaging labeled “organic” or “green” to a crafty use of the color green itself. Notorious global corporations, including Volkswagen, IKEA, and Coca-Cola, have been under scrutiny for such practices. As consumers, we might wonder, how we can navigate this mirage of eco-friendliness? How can we ensure the products we buy and the companies we endorse genuinely embody our sustainability goals? The answer lies in thorough research.

The implications of greenwashing extend beyond personal consumption to larger sectors like the construction industry.

This industry is responsible not just for the materials used in creating buildings, but also for the disposal of materials removed. In our role as passionate engineers well-versed in solar technology and EV charging, roofing consultants experienced in green roofs, and WELL-certified architects at Design Collaborative, we rigorously research our environmental impact, considering both current building occupants and future generations.

Greenwashing is a threat to our collective journey towards sustainability. It’s imperative we stay informed, conducting due diligence to ensure our choices are as green as they claim to be. Together, we can foster true sustainability, one eco-friendly choice at a time.

Author

Jessica Rossow, RID, NCIDQ

Senior Interior Designer,

“Our process leads to design that stands the test of time—which goes hand-in-hand with our client’s legacy.” Design Collaborative’s unique studio approach ensures that interior design is part of every stage of our design process. In fact, Rossow indicates that at DC, her field is more interior architecture than interior design. In our Education Studio,…

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The Truth Behind the Green: A Deep Dive into Greenwashing

By Jessica Rossow, RID, NCIDQ

In our pursuit of sustainability, buzzwords like “green”, “eco-friendly”, and “sustainable” have become ubiquitous.

Greenwashing occurs when a company or product positions itself as eco-friendly when the reality is far from it.

The implications of greenwashing extend beyond personal consumption to larger sectors like the construction industry.

Greenwashing is a threat to our collective journey towards sustainability. It’s imperative we stay informed, conducting due diligence to ensure our choices are as green as they claim to be. Together, we can foster true sustainability, one eco-friendly choice at a time.

Author

Jessica Rossow, RID, NCIDQ

Senior Interior Designer,