What causes greenwashing and how is it regulated globally?

When companies say they’re eco-friendly but aren’t really doing much to help the planet, that’s called greenwashing, like when a toy box says “Made from recycled stuff!” but is just painted green.

Companies do this because it looks good. If you’re a kid and your favorite snack says “Super Healthy!” on the package, you might want to eat more of it, even if it’s just a little bit healthy. Same with companies: they want people to think they care about the planet so they’ll buy their products.

Sometimes, kids catch on when something doesn’t feel right. Like if your toy is green but still made in a factory that makes a lot of noise and pollution, you might not be fooled for long!

Governments around the world are trying to stop this trick by making rules. Some countries have laws that say companies must prove they’re really eco-friendly before they can call themselves green or sustainable.

It’s like having a teacher who checks your homework, if your toy box says it's made from recycled stuff, the teacher might ask for proof!