~ What is Greenwashing and what can we do to combat it ~

According to environmentalist Jay Westervelt, “ greenwashing ” —or “ ecoposture ”— occurs when a company uses misleading or false advertising to say that it is doing more for the environment than it really is.

Also called “green image washing”, greenwashing is a way of promoting that an organization's products, services or policies are respectful with the environment in order to increase its profits, when in fact more money is invested in advertising the product. fact of "being green" than in making changes towards a more sustainable world.

But, then, how can I know if it is greenwashing or is it the real deal ? We are going to give you 4 tips:

1. Look for facts, not words.

Research the materials or services they use and how they do it. Do they specify it on their website? That will give you clues as to whether it is greenwashing or if they are really betting on the change.

2. Find out who makes your clothes.

Before you buy, put yourself in the Sherlock Holmes hat. Where are the products made? Who is behind the brand? What are your values? Do you identify with mine?

3. Check the certifications.

There are brands and companies that share the certifications that their products have obtained. Certifications like the Global Organic Cotton Standard (GOTS) and Fair Trade will help you determine the most sustainable brands.

4. Invest in brands with a comprehensive and local approach.

Investing in and trusting local brands is the best way to ensure that your production and distribution processes are more respectful of the environment and less polluting.

Fun fact!: Many companies use green as a corporate color as a strategy to appear ecological or sustainable.

And me, how can I be part of the change? The only 100% sustainable thing would be not to produce, not to manufacture, not to travel... but there are ways to buy that make our impact on the planet less and there are brands that want to help change the world. We give you some ideas:

1. Opt for local brands and with nearby productions .

2. Bet on brands with limited productions, small collections and low stock .

3. Look for brands that are committed to ethical work and care about the working conditions of their workers.

4. Opt for brands that care about giving a second life to all their products .

Do you have other tips and would you like to share them with us? Follow us on Instagram at @poems_bcn and leave us your comment!