Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Greenwashing
noun
/ GREEN-wosh-ing /
Medium
Meaning
Misleading claims about environmental practices to appear eco-friendly without substantive action
Origin / Etymology
Coined 1986 by environmentalist Jay Westerveld; blend of 'green' + 'whitewashing'
Synonyms
Eco-washing
Green sheen
Antonyms
Genuine sustainability
Authentic environmentalism
Example Sentence
"The forest law amendment was criticised as greenwashing commercial plantations as forestry activities."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Use in GS3 Environment answers to critique policies or corporate claims that lack real ecological benefit.
Relevant Subjects
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