Uruakpa
Greenwashing or Honesty? Examining Corporate Sustainability Initiatives in the United States
Greenwashing is a marketing tool used to manipulate public opinions of sustainability efforts. Many companies use greenwashing to attract sustainability-minded customers. Strategies include promoting and exaggerating corporations’ progress on CO2 emissions. A selection of U.S. based companies are examined to determine if they are using greenwashing strategies, or if their sustainability initiatives are legitimate in helping combat the wicked problem of climate change. The emissions data of the top company in each major sector of the economy (as of 2021) is being used to create graphs. These graphical displays include a regression line to determine if the target emissions level has already been met, will be met by the stated date, or is not on target to be met. This study provides transparency to consumers, allowing them to shop with companies that support the future of our planet.