What does "greenwashing" refer to?

"Greenwashing" refers to the practice where companies or organizations make misleading claims about their environmental practices or benefits of their products to appear more environmentally friendly than they actually are. This can involve exaggerating the environmental benefits, using vague language, or promoting minor eco-friendly features while masking more significant negative environmental impacts.

This term highlights the discrepancy between a company's public image and its actual environmental practices, which can mislead consumers who are trying to make responsible purchasing decisions. Ultimately, greenwashing undermines genuine sustainability efforts, as it creates confusion and diminishes trust among consumers seeking authentic eco-friendly products.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of greenwashing. Actual improvements in environmental practices reflect genuine efforts toward sustainability, while transparent reporting indicates honesty about environmental impacts rather than misleading the public. An effective marketing strategy for sustainable products would focus on authentic eco-friendliness, not deceitful practices.