GREENWASHING:  What is it and Best Practices to Avoid It

As more and more companies are setting aggressive goals for sustainability it is important you do not “Greenwash”.  Greenwashing refers to the practice of presenting a misleading or false image of a product, company, or initiative as environmentally friendly or sustainable. To counter greenwashing and promote genuine sustainability, consider the following best practices:

1.      Be Transparent

    • Be transparent about your sustainability practices and goals.  Make sure it detailed on your conference website.
    • Provide clear and verifiable information about your environmental impact.
    • Send recap to attendees once your impact report is complete.

2.      Get Event Certified:

    • Obtain reputable third-party.
    • Adhere to recognized sustainability standards to demonstrate a commitment to genuine environmental responsibility.

3.      Measure!

    • Set clear, measurable, and time-bound sustainability goals.
    • Regularly report on progress and be accountable for achieving or adjusting these goals.
    • Keep website and mobile app. updated how you are doing as your proceed.
    • Update attendees in a General Session.

4.      Use Clear Language:

    • Use precise and specific language in marketing materials/website/mobile app, etc..
    • Avoid vague terms such as "green," "eco-friendly," or "natural" without providing specific details.

5.      Life Cycle:

    • Detail your complete processes and steps you took in your post conference impact report.

6.      Green Meeting Guidelines:

Adhere to guidelines and standards set by organizations like Event Industry Council

7.      Engage Your Attendees

    • Engage with you attendees in the process. 
    • Add on website, mobile app., your "Know Before You Go", post conference communications.  

8.      Continue to Improve

    • Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement in sustainability efforts.
    • Communicate updates and improvements to your meeting or event.

9.     Make sure Follow Legal Guidelines:

·       Ensure that your sustainability claims comply with applicable laws and regulations.

By implementing these best practices, businesses can build trust, demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainability, and contribute to positive environmental and social impacts.

 


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