With Earth Day around the corner, it’s that time of the year again when companies start doling out sustainability pledges like candy. Unfortunately, some of those promises can be misleading.
Click here to read the story at theverge.com.
Discussion Questions:
- What is Earth Day?
- What is the primary purpose of Earth Day?
- What is sustainability in marketing?
- What is corporate responsibility?
- Why do you think sustainability is important to a business or brand?
- Do you think consumers care about a business or brand’s sustainability efforts? Why or why not?
- What are ethics?
- What is greenwashing?
- When does greenwashing occur?
- Is greenwashing legal?
- Do you think it is ethical? Why or why not?
- What role does government play in protecting consumers from false or misleading advertising claims?
- Why is it important for the government to play a role in protecting consumers?
- Can you think of an example of greenwashing that you have seen?
- Does an accusation of greenwashing change your perspective of a business or brand? Why or why not?
- How important is it to you that your favorite business or brand engages in legitimate sustainability initiatives? Does that perspective influence your purchase decisions?
- According to this story, is buying electronics products made with recycled plastic instead of brand-new materials actually environmentally friendly? Why or why not?
- Does that illustrate the concept of greenwashing?