TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - There is an abundance of product campaigns promoting environmentally friendly products using common terms, such as natural ingredients from renewable resources, easily decomposing packages, up to residues that do not harm the environment. Consumers must up their game to see whether these are actual green products or a mere corporate greenwashing.

Citing Antaranews, Earthkeeper Indonesia founder Teguh Handoko says that greenwashing is a term to describe a communication or marketing strategy to convey an environmentally aware image for the products or corporations they represent but without actually committing to activities that are beneficial for the environment.

“We should not be fooled. Do your research as simply as Googling it,” said Teguh during the launch of Ngopi Membumi event on Thursday, August 19. “Don’t take it for granted just because a product has an ‘environmentally friendly’ logo.”

Many consumers are currently environmentally aware but Teguh reminds them to cross check a product or brand’s claim from either the company’s website or other reputable sources on the internet.

His call comes as the global consumer market is getting more aware of the greenwashing issue. Teguh believes a developing market such as Indonesia is not immune from such tactics by irresponsible corporations.

ANTARA