What Does ‘Eco-Friendly’ Really Mean and How to Spot Greenwashing?

You’ve probably seen it everywhere: eco-friendly, green, sustainable, and natural plastered on product packaging and online stores. But what does eco-friendly really mean? And how can you be sure a product is truly kind to the planet and not just pretending to be?

In today’s world, more and more people want to shop responsibly. That’s great. But it also means some brands use “green” buzzwords to sell products that don’t actually live up to the hype. This is where greenwashing comes in.

Let’s break it all down and learn how to spot the real thing.

What Does Eco-Friendly Really Mean?

At its core, eco-friendly means something that is not harmful to the environment. But the real story goes deeper. True eco-friendly sourcing means using what already exists. 

For example, the Bodhi Press’s handmade robes are crafted from silk-cotton blends using leftover high-quality fabrics that would otherwise go to waste.

Just like this, a truly eco-friendly product or brand takes into account:

1 - Sourcing

Is the product made from natural, renewable, or recycled materials? Were these materials harvested in a way that doesn't harm people or the planet?

2 - Lifecycle

From how it’s made to how it’s packaged, shipped, used, and finally disposed of, each step should leave a minimal environmental impact. That means less waste, less pollution, and more responsible choices.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), packaging alone accounts for 30% of all U.S. solid waste. That’s why low-waste design matters.

3 - Ethics

Who made the product? Were they paid fairly? Were safe working conditions provided? Eco-friendly isn’t just about the planet. It’s about people, too.

A product can’t be eco-friendly if it’s hurting workers or supporting systems of exploitation.

Explore The Bodhi Press’s Eco-Friendly Silk Cotton Pajama Set

This Handmade Silk Cotton Pajama Set is a perfect example of this thoughtful approach. Made from a premium silk-cotton blend, these are created using leftover fabric lengths that are too small for large-scale factories to bother with but are far too beautiful to waste.

Instead of discarding them, The Bodhi Press transforms these rare, high-quality remains into limited-edition loungewear that feels as good as it looks. This approach not only reduces waste but also celebrates the value of mindful and resourceful design.

What is Greenwashing? Why It’s a Problem

Greenwashing is when a brand makes something look eco-friendly, but it’s not. It’s a marketing trick designed to mislead consumers who want to make responsible choices.

Let’s define greenwashing in simple words: 

It’s when a company pretends to care about the environment more than it actually does.

Some examples of greenwashing:

• A “natural” shampoo that’s packed in plastic and full of synthetic chemicals
• A “green” fashion label that uses organic cotton but pays workers unfairly
• A major brand that advertises eco-friendly values but pollutes heavily elsewhere in its business

In short, it’s when the message doesn't match reality.

Red Flags on Product Labels

Not sure what to look for? These clues often point to greenwashing:

1 - Vague Language

Words like “eco-safe,” “green,” or “earth-friendly” without any clear explanation of how

2 - No Proof

If there are no certifications, verified claims, or details about sourcing, it's probably just marketing fluff

3 - Hidden Trade-offs

Sometimes one part of the product sounds great, but the rest doesn't add up, like recycled material wrapped in non-recyclable plastic or a sustainable ingredient that's flown across the globe

4 - Nature Imagery Overload

A package covered in plants, trees, and earthy tones doesn’t guarantee the product is eco-friendly. It's often used just to look sustainable, not to be sustainable.

5 - Too Good to Be True Promises

Claims like “100% sustainable” or “zero impact” are usually exaggerated. Sustainability is complex. No product has zero impact

Look for clear and balanced messaging instead of big, bold, feel-good phrases.

Questions You Can Ask a Brand

Being curious is powerful. Don’t be afraid to ask brands questions like:

• What’s this made of?

Are the materials natural, organic, recycled, or biodegradable?

• Who made this product?

Was it ethically made? Do the artisans or workers receive fair pay?

• How is it packaged?

Is the packaging plastic-free, recyclable, or compostable?

• What happens to it when I’m done?

Can I compost, recycle, or reuse this item easily?

• Do you have any certifications?

Look for Fair Trade, GOTS, USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny, etc.

• Can I see proof or impact reports?

Some responsible brands publish annual sustainability reports or partner with third-party verifiers. This shows they’re serious, not just selling an idea.

If a brand avoids answering or gives confusing responses, it’s worth thinking twice before buying.

How The Bodhi Press Avoids Greenwashing?

At The Bodhi Press, the commitment to sustainability goes beyond labels. Every product tells a story of ethics, care, and purpose.

Here’s how we walk the talk:

1 - Transparent Sourcing

From Lokta paper to handmade robes and tea blends, every item is sourced from local artisans using natural, renewable materials.

2 - Fair Wages and Empowerment

Are the people behind the product paid fairly and treated with respect?

This part of the eco-friendly story is often overlooked, but it matters just as much. Behind every handcrafted item should be a fair wage, safe working conditions, and growth opportunities.

We partner with Women Empowerment Organizations. All of our silk-cotton robes and pajama shorts sets are handmade by women artisans from the Single Mother and Child Foundation in Nepal. These talented women are supported through skill-based training and ethical employment.

We use sustainably sourced silk-cotton fabric, often set aside by big manufacturers due to small leftover quantities. By purchasing these in limited batches, we create only a few pieces at a time, reducing waste and celebrating slow, intentional craftsmanship.

3 - Eco-Friendly Packaging and Shipping

We use 100% recyclable materials, biodegradable fillers, and carbon-conscious shipping methods like USPS’s existing delivery routes.

All packages come in plastic-free, paper-based wrap, right down to the tape and labels.

4 - No Fake Green Buzz

The Bodhi Press doesn't rely on flashy green labels. Instead, we share detailed stories, highlight our partners, and show the real impact of each product.

Every choice we make, from ingredients to design to delivery, is done with intentionality and integrity.

Choosing Mindfully: You Have the Power

Being eco-friendly isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware, asking questions, and choosing brands that care as much as you do.

Next time you shop, look past the label. Think about who made it, how it was made, and what will happen after you’re done using it.

You don’t have to fall for greenwashing.

You can choose better and inspire others to do the same.