You’ve probably heard of greenwashing – when companies make false claims to boost their green credentials. It’s a problem not just for consumers who have to try and make sense of the claims companies are making. It also has damaging effects on businesses making a genuine effort to be sustainable and ethical.

Well, you’ll be pleased to hear greenwashing is now the focus of Australian regulators.

Consumer protection body the ACCC has released a report comparing the green claims of nearly 250 businesses across sectors including cars, food and cosmetics. 57 per cent of 247 businesses were identified in the ACCC report were identified as making concerning claims. Energy providers were among the worst offenders, with 16 of 25 businesses identified as making concerning claims.

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is one of the consumer and legal organisations in support of better protections for consumers as they navigate energy markets. Ellen Tilbury, Senior Solicitor at PIAC joined 2SER Breakfast to discuss solutions to help fix the issue and give consumers a clearer picture.

For more, check out the PIAC submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications’ Inquiry into Greenwashing.