Greenwashing Guidelines

News: To combat greenwashing, Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has released Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing and Misleading Environment Claims.

1. Greenwashing: It refers to the process of company misleading consumers about the environmental benefits of their products or practices.

2. Also known as ‘green sheen’, it is responsible for adverse environmental impacts, eroding customer trust, reducing corporate accountability.

3. Consumer Protection Act: It was passed by Indian Parliament in 2019, repealing and replacing the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

4. The Act aims to protect the interests of consumers and establish authorities for timely and effective settlement of consumers’ disputes.

5. The Act provides for establishment of Central Consumer Protection Authority to protect and enforce the rights of the consumers. It also regulates unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements.