Save the Planet Society’s Post

Many brands are being called out for greenwashing, like Primark, Decathlon, Zalando, H&M and recently also Lululemon. Are you confused about what you are allowed to say and what not? I get it. How to guide your communication teams when there’s so much confusion, right?! Getting support is what you need to get to this new behavior of transparent communicating, following rules and staying true to your tone of voice and most importantly: your PURPOSE 💡My 2 tips today: 1. Download our greenwashing white paper to read up on do’s and don’ts according to authority guidelines (ACM): https://lnkd.in/eBHFC8mP 2. Join our online short course filled with knowledge you need to communicate transparently, backed up with proof and to avoiding greenwashing. And sincerely communicate authentically to your target audience. 👌Including our latest ‘no greenwashing webinar’ records: https://lnkd.in/eEwQXU5D (only this month with 20% discount!) Don’t stay back. Keep learning. Keep pushing yourself to be a better person then you were yesterday… #greenwashing #transparentcommunication #sustainablebusiness

Are you familiar with the term, "greenwashing"? Businesses that publish misleading statements about the environmental or sustainability practices are greenwashing. It's not just bad for business, it can lead to lawsuits as well. Lululemon was just hit with a greenwashing lawsuit under Canadian law seeking class action status. The lawsuit focused on Lululemon's "Be Planet" initiative that the company launched in 2020 aiming to reduce its emissions by 2025. The lawsuit claims that Lululemon isn't even heading in that direction, alleging that its emissions have doubled. There's no doubt that consumers overall have become more environmentally conscious. Many consumers factor environmental impact and their own carbon footprint when making spending choices. It could very well be that some consumers were swayed to buy Lululemon products based on their Be Planet initiative. This makes me think of all the environmental initiatives I've come across in the past 5 plus years. Clearly, companies have taken notice of consumer spending habits that account for the environment. Many of these companies haven't thought about the repercussions of failing to deliver on their green promises. As these initiatives mature, and lawsuits like the one against Lululemon shine a spotlight on these practices, we'll likely see a lot more greenwashing litigation. Greenwashing isn't reserved for retail giants like Lululemon. It's a matter of time before these lawsuits trickle down to the middle and lower middle market. Owners should take note and review their own company green initiatives. Continuing to promote stale or inaccurate environmental goals could lead to a costly and reputation-damaging lawsuit. #generalcounsel #smallbusiness #cautionarytale

🌿🔎 Canada has launched an investigation into lululemon for potential #greenwashing. This move underscores the growing scrutiny on brands to back their eco-friendly claims with solid evidence. Full details in Jon McGowan's report on Forbes. 🇨🇦🧘♂️ #Sustainability #Greenwashing #EcoFashion Dive into the article for an in-depth look: https://lnkd.in/eZ9uXzi5

Competition Bureau Probes Lululemon Over Environmental Claims Canada's Competition Bureau has launched an investigation into Lululemon's environmental claims, as announced by spokesperson Marianne Blondin. This inquiry, under the Competition Act, targets alleged deceptive marketing practices linked to the company's sustainability campaigns. The probe was prompted by a complaint from environmental group Stand.earth, which claims discrepancies in Lululemon’s reported progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While the company has expressed a commitment to cooperating with the bureau, the investigation seeks to verify the accuracy of Lululemon's public environmental claims. Stand.earth has offered to withdraw their complaint if substantial improvements are made by Lululemon in reducing supply chain emissions. #VeritasMedia #LululemonInvestigation #Greenwashing #SustainableFashion #EnvironmentalClaims #CompetitionBureau #CorporateResponsibility #EcoFriendlyFashion #ClimateAction #Sustainability #EthicalFashion #ConsumerRights #FashionIndustry #CorporateAccountability #EnvironmentalImpact #GreenClaims #Decarbonization #NetZero2050 #FashionTransparency #EcoConscious #CleanFashion

Lululemon and deceptive marketing? 🤨Canada has launched an investigation following a complaint by environmental activist group Stand.earth. Stand.earth claims Lululemon's 'Be Planet' campaign exaggerates its climate action efforts. Despite this, Lululemon has made claims like, 'Our products and actions avoid environmental harm.' This is a marketing lesson. IF the claims come back as true, then this will hurt their brand reputation. It's deception and it is something you want to avoid as a brand. Instead, focus on what makes you different. Don't just jump on the sustainability train because it is a trend, if that is not something you are not practicing! #lululemon #lululemongreenwashing

Will #Lululemon have to pay over $400 Million for greenwashing its products? It could happen. We filed a legal action against the Canadian company in February requesting that the Competition Bureau open an investigation into the greenwashing the company does to paint itself as a climate champion while it doubled its climate pollution in a two year period. We recently learned that investigation has begun. The Competition Bureau is empowered to crack down on deceptive practices like those that Lululemon engages in. What Lululemon says: "Be Planet." This is their overall marketing slogan. And they have stated that buying their products is "restorative" to the planet. Think about that. Could buying yoga pants made from fossil fuel fabric (polyester), manufactured in factories powered by coal and methane gas, shipped to market on vessels and planes running on fossil fuels, that when washed poison the environment with microplastics POSSIBLY be restorative to our planet? Of course not. Shame on you Lululemon and CEO Calvin McDonald. Despite the maniacal mendacity of these lies told to customers wanting to buy products that match their values, we would still rather see Lululemon invest millions of dollars in moving to renewable energy, low carbon shipping, energy efficiency, etc. rather than pay fines. All they have to do is make their marketing true and finally be the change they keep talking about and we would drop our complaint. Seriously. https://lnkd.in/gBbJ_4a9

🌍💚 Green Friday 2024: Sustainable Shopping with Purpose 💚🌍 This year, let's shift our focus from the chaos of Black Friday to a movement that celebrates sustainability and conscious consumerism. 🌱🌍 Green Friday is here to remind us that we can enjoy shopping without compromising the planet. As we embrace eco-friendly practices, it's the perfect opportunity to support brands that are making a difference. From sustainable products to ethical production methods, Green Friday is about choosing wisely and making your dollars count for the Earth! 🌿 In 2024, many brands are joining the Green Friday movement, such as:   Patagonia – Committed to environmental activism and sustainable practices. Toms – Promoting fair trade and eco-conscious products with a focus on giving back. Levi's – Leading the way in sustainable denim production. Let’s make this Green Friday the start of a more eco-conscious lifestyle! 🌱💚 #GreenFriday #SustainableShopping #EcoFriendly #ConsciousConsumerism #GreenFriday2024 #Sustainability #EcoFashion #EcoBrands #SustainableLiving #SaveThePlanet #BuyGreen #EthicalShopping

It is in these situations that 360platform can help.

This week we have been grateful for the amazing work of one of the FOSSIL FUEL FASHION Campaign partners, Stand.earth. Athleisure company lululemon is currently under investigation by the Canadian consumer protection agency following a complaint filed by Stand.earth, accusing them of greenwashing and misleading customers. This investigation has played a key role in establishing stricter requirements and imposing harsher consequences on companies when found guilty of greenwashing. As unveiled back in 2022 by Changing Markets Foundation in its 'Synthetics Anonymous 2.0: Fashion’s persistent plastic problem' report, the fashion industry's lack of progress is significantly hindered by its reliance on fossil-fuel-based fibres, and in the same report, Lululemon seemed to be sprinting in the opposite direction of its "Be Planet” mantra. ➡️ Find our more about Stand.earth’s complaint: Stand.earth/lulucoal or at https://lnkd.in/efH3mPnt #FossilFreeFashion #lulucoal #thesweatlife #FossilFuelFashion #FossilFuelFashionCampaign #FFFC

THE COSTLY IMPLICATIONS OF GREENWASHING   In recent years, the rise of conscious consumerism has pushed brands to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. However, some companies have fallen into the trap of "greenwashing," where they mislead consumers into thinking their products or practices are more environmentally friendly than they actually are. One notable case that serves as a cautionary tale is the Lululemon greenwash scandal. Lululemon, a popular athletic apparel brand, faced backlash when it was revealed that they were marketing their products through their “Be planet”campaign as eco-friendly without sufficient evidence to back up their claims. This misleading marketing tactic not only damaged their reputation but also eroded consumer trust. The implications of greenwashing are far-reaching and can have long-term consequences for a brand's credibility. WHAT CAN OTHER BRANDS LEARN FROM LULULEMON'S MISSTEP? 1.    TRANSPARENCY IS KEY: Be honest and upfront about your sustainability efforts. Don't overstate or exaggerate your environmental impact to gain a competitive edge. 2.    AUTHENTICITY MATTERS: Invest in genuine sustainability initiatives that align with your brand values. Greenwashing may provide short-term gains, but authenticity builds long-lasting relationships with consumers. 3.    EDUCATE AND ENGAGE: Take the time to educate your customers about your sustainability practices and initiatives. By involving them in your journey towards a greener future, you can build trust and loyalty. 4.    ACCOUNTABILITY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE: Hold yourself accountable for your sustainability goals and commitments. Regularly report on your progress and be open to feedback from stakeholders. Greenwashing is not just a marketing ploy, it's a breach of trust that can have serious repercussions for your brand. Stay true to your values, be transparent, and prioritize authenticity always. #BusinessConvos #Sustainability #Greenwashing #Transparency #Authenticity #BusinessEthics