Many products today claim to be green, eco-friendly, natural, or sustainable. But how can young people know which claims are real and which ones are misleading?
Y-EDCO addresses this question through its educational module on greenwashing and conscious choices. The module helps learners understand how marketing can sometimes make products appear more environmentally friendly than they really are.
Greenwashing is a problem because it misleads consumers, weakens trust in genuine sustainability efforts, and can hide the real environmental impact of products. Common tactics include vague language, lack of evidence, fake labels, and highlighting one small positive feature while ignoring larger environmental harms.
The Y-EDCO module encourages young people to ask critical questions before trusting green claims. Are the claims supported by data? Is there a recognized certification? Does the product reduce packaging or simply use green colours and attractive slogans? Is the company transparent about its environmental impact?
The module also introduces examples related to plastics, including claims such as made of ocean plastic, biodegradable, compostable, or fully recyclable. Learners are encouraged to look beyond labels and understand the systems behind them, including whether recycling or composting infrastructure actually exists.
By developing critical thinking and consumer awareness, Y-EDCO supports young people in making more informed choices and sharing that knowledge with their peers, families, and communities.