You've seen the labels: "eco-friendly," "sustainable," "green," with nothing behind them. There's no shortage of climate information out there, and not all of it is reliable.
Greenwashing, when companies, organizations, or governments overstate the environmental benefits of what they do or sell, is one reason why. In 2025, Italy's regulator fined Shein one million euros for misleading environmental claims, and France issued a 40 million euro fine covering deceptive pricing and environmental claims.
Before you trust or share something, ask three questions. Who is behind it, and what do they gain? Does it link to a primary source you can check? Are the claims specific and measurable, or just vague words?
It's worth doing, because research shows many people rarely talk about climate change, partly out of fear of disapproval, even though those conversations can spur action. The more we talk about it, the more normal it becomes.
Not sure how to start? Here are some tips for starting a climate conversation. This week, share one source you trust with one person, and forward this post to a friend who's been asking where to start.