What does "greenwashing" refer to in environmental management?

"Greenwashing" is a term used in environmental management to describe the practice of companies or organizations misleading consumers about their environmental practices or products. This often involves making unsubstantiated claims or exaggerating the environmental benefits of a product or service to create a false impression of being environmentally friendly.

The concept highlights the difference between actual sustainable practices and marketing strategies designed to capitalize on the growing demand for environmentally responsible options. Organizations engaged in greenwashing often do so to improve their public image or to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers without making significant changes to their operations or products.

The other options reflect different aspects of environmental practices but do not define greenwashing accurately. Balanced environmental practices, genuine sustainability efforts, and sustainable marketing techniques emphasize authentic commitment to environmental responsibility, contrasting sharply with the deceptive nature inherent in greenwashing.