State lawmakers in multiple regions are turning a scrutinizing eye toward environmental marketing claims. With the intent to curb the practice of “greenwashing,” — an approach where the sustainability or environmental benefits of a product or business are overstated — new proposals are emerging to limit such claims.
Lawmakers in multiple states, including New York, Washington, and New Hampshire, have begun to file bills aimed at strengthening requirements against deceptive claims that plastic products are recyclable. The moderation of such requirements are primarily being spearheaded by Democrats, particularly in New York and Washington where they hold the legislative majorities.
This initiation of more stringent controls against greenwashing isn’t limited to the eastern states. A new Colorado law came into effect on Jan. 1, that introduces stricter standards around representing a product as compostable. This increased attention to environmental claims isn’t restricted to the state level.
The Federal Trade Commission has likewise been revising its guidelines that govern green marketing, indicating a potential nationwide trend. As lawmakers across the nation consider and implement measures against greenwashing, businesses must prepare for potentially tighter regulations and increased scrutiny of environmental claims in their marketing strategies.
While aiming at assuring genuine sustainable practices, these proposals might raise concerns among industry groups fearing a patchwork of differing standards that could complicate the marketing landscape. It remains to be seen how industries will grapple with potentially varied standards for environmental claims.
More information about these moves and the potential impacts can be found in this in-depth article by Bloomberg Law.