When I moved to the Isle of Man back in 2021, I promised myself I’d live a more eco-friendly life.
But one thing caught me off-guard: greenwashing.
You see, many brands say they’re eco-friendly, but when you dig deeper — it’s mostly clever marketing.
Living here, surrounded by such a beautiful natural landscape, it became even more important for me to make conscious choices.
Today, I want to share what I’ve learned about greenwashing — and how you can avoid being tricked too. 💚
What Exactly is Greenwashing? 🌱
Greenwashing happens when a brand pretends to be environmentally friendly, but in reality, they’re not doing much (or anything at all) to help the planet.
It’s all about appearing sustainable rather than actually being sustainable.
You might see:
- Products labeled as “eco” without certifications
- Vague words like “natural” or “earth-friendly” with no proof
- Packaging that’s green-colored to “look” eco, even if it’s plastic inside
Why It Matters for Us on the Isle of Man 🏝
Living on an island teaches you one thing fast:
Every choice we make matters more.
We’re closely connected to the environment here.
Our coastline, fields, and wildlife are precious — and if we accidentally support fake eco-brands, we risk harming what we love.
Shopping carefully also supports local businesses genuinely working toward sustainability.
6 Easy Ways to Spot Greenwashing 🕵️♂️
Here’s how I personally check products now:
1. Look for Certifications
Genuine eco products often have real certifications like:
- FSC (Forests)
- Fair Trade
- GOTS (Organic Textiles)
⚡ If there’s no certification, be cautious.
2. Beware of Vague Language
Words like “eco”, “natural”, “green”, “earth-friendly” mean nothing legally.
Real brands will explain how and why their products are sustainable.
3. Check the Packaging
Is the product wrapped in layers of plastic?
A truly sustainable company thinks about their whole supply chain — including packaging.
4. Investigate Their Website
A serious brand will proudly show:
- Their carbon footprint
- Their ethical factories
- Their materials sourcing
⚡ No clear information = red flag.
5. Look for Specifics, Not Stories
Good companies share real stats like:
- “Made with 90% recycled materials”
- “Donates 1% of revenue to ocean cleanups”
Fluffy stories about “caring for the Earth” aren’t enough.
6. Trust Your Gut
If something feels “off,” it probably is.
Marketing is powerful — but your instincts are smarter.
Real Sustainable Brands I Personally Trust 🌼
After living here for a few years, I’ve found a few brands that walk the walk:
- Ecover (eco cleaning products — available in Isle of Man shops)
- Bambino Mio (sustainable nappies, reusable wipes)
- Green People (organic skincare made in the UK)
(This isn’t sponsored — just sharing what’s worked for me!)
Final Thoughts: We’re All Learning Together 🌊
No one is perfect — not even me.
Sometimes I still accidentally buy things that aren’t as green as they look.
But every small decision adds up — especially here on the Isle of Man where our impact can be seen so clearly.
Let’s keep learning, asking questions, and supporting brands that truly care.