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UPSC Prelims 2022 · Environment · Rules for the Planet
Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”?
- (a) Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
- (b) Non-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
- (c) Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development
- (d) Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
Greenwashing is marketing that makes a product or company look greener than it is: vague labels (“natural”, “eco”), hidden trade-offs or fake certifications.
The idea
The “washing” is the key word: a false green coat painted over the real product.
Vague eco-claim → No proof → Buyer pays a “green” premium → Real impact unchanged
Why the others are wrong
(b) That is about green national accounting, not greenwashing.
(c) That is ignoring environmental impact, which is bad planning, not a false image.
(d) That is about building environmental costs into projects, which is the opposite idea.
The trap
All four options sound “anti-environment”. Only (a) is about a false impression, and that is what the “washing” means.
Also know
India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority issued Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing in October 2024. Environmental claims now have to be backed by evidence.
🔒 Greenwashing = a false eco-friendly image. India: CCPA greenwashing guidelines, 2024.