greenwashing, n.
Frequency (in current use):
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Origin: Formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: greenwash v., -ing suffix1.
The creation or propagation of an unfounded or misleading environmentalist image. Cf. greenwash v.
1990 Orange County
(Calif.)
Register
(Nexis)
5 Apr. a10
The activists will keep a booth outside the fair and continue to fight what the group calls ‘greenwashing’ by large corporations who tell the public they are working for the environment while continuing to pollute.
1991 Garbage Jan. 57/1
Others dismiss the company's environmental efforts as ‘greenwashing’.
1997 Sierra Apr. 21/1
Until a green tag on new carpeting represents more than greenwashing, consumers should stick with natural fibers.
2001 Dollars & Sense
(Electronic ed.)
Jan.
Given the history of industry hostility to emission controls, changed public statements can easily be dismissed as cynical posturing or ‘greenwashing’.
1990—2001(Hide quotations)
