noun a blend of the words 'share' and 'greenwashing', used to describe companies that falsely claim to be environmentally friendly or sustainable in order to attract customers
Sharewashing refers to the practice of companies exaggerating or misleading consumers about their sustainability efforts or social responsibility in order to appear more environmentally friendly or socially conscious than they actually are.
In marketing, sharewashing can be seen as a form of greenwashing, where companies use deceptive tactics to make their products or services seem more sustainable or socially responsible than they truly are.
Sharewashing can influence consumer behavior by leading individuals to make purchasing decisions based on false or misleading information about a company's sustainability or social responsibility practices.
Within the field of sustainability, sharewashing is a critical issue as it undermines genuine efforts to promote environmental and social responsibility by creating confusion and skepticism among consumers.
Sharewashing can be detrimental to a company's corporate social responsibility initiatives by eroding trust and credibility with stakeholders if they are found to be engaging in deceptive practices.
In the field of marketing and public relations, writers may use sharewashing to create content that promotes a company's social responsibility efforts while downplaying any negative impacts or lack of real commitment to sustainability.
Psychologists may encounter sharewashing when working with clients who are struggling with feelings of guilt or inadequacy due to the pressure to constantly share their achievements and charitable acts on social media, leading to issues of authenticity and self-worth.
Environmental scientists may come across sharewashing when analyzing corporate sustainability reports that highlight positive environmental actions without providing full transparency on the actual impact of the company's operations on the environment.