What are some easy ways to tell when a product has been "greenwashed"?

Question

To quote Macmillan English Dictionary:

greenwash (also green-wash)
verb
to try to convince people that you are doing something which is good for the environment by being involved in small, environmentally-friendly initiatives, especially as a way of hiding your involvement in activities which are damaging to the environment

Source: http://www.macmillandictionary.com/New-Words/050110-greenwash.htm

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

If the product has been endorsed by Al Gore, you know that it has been greenwashed.

joecool123_us · Answer

I don't think that there is an easy way, you just have to be wary and do your research.

If you live your life in a way that reduces consumption, then the occasions upon which you need to make a decision about a product will be fewer in number. This will allow you to spend the extra time picking responsible merchandise.

Kuji · Answer

The easiest thing is to use common sense.  Look at detergent.  They tell you "NO ADDED DYES OR PERFUMES".  Real cheap for them to not add unnecessary stuff and it gets your mind off what *is* in it.  When major corporations contribute to "local parks", it's usually either a small amount of money or it's land that they couldn't use for their intended purpose.

just hanging around · Answer

to get to absolute greenwashed, it needs tobe in a vacuum

Anonymous · Answer

Look at the bottom of the container - It says earth-info :-)

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What are some easy ways to tell when a product has been "greenwashed"?

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