A green tag. A leafy logo. A tagline promising  "eco-friendly," "recycled," or "low-impact." If you’re a conscious consumer, you’re adding that to your cart because you want to make better choices for the planet.  

But what if the product inside doesn't match the promise on the packaging? From fashion houses to investment funds, everyone is racing to go green. But when are these environmental buzzwords accurate? 

UNSW Law and Justice academic Dr Riona Moodley says consumer watchdogs are cracking down on greenwashing. And some of Australia’s biggest brands are being caught out.  

So, what do brands need to know to be truly sustainable? And as a consumer, how do you spot the marketing spin? 

+++ 

Interested in hearing about how one entrepreneur turned her frustration with greenwashing into a movement for change? Listen to our episode with Lottie Dalziel, founder of Banish. 

The Business Of podcast is brought to you by the University of New South Wales Business School, produced with Deadset Studios. It’s hosted by Dr Juliet Bourke, and the transcript can be found on our website. 

Want to follow the latest research and news from UNSW Business School and AGSM @ UNSW Business School? Subscribe to our industry stories at BusinessThink and follow UNSW Business School and AGSM on LinkedIn. Or listen to more episodes of The Business Of and subscribe to our UNSW Business School and AGSM channels on YouTube. 

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.