Greenwashing Score Calculator
Greenwashing is marketing dressed as environmentalism. A product says “eco-friendly” and “natural,” so you assume it’s better. But what’s the evidence? What’s the marketing spin?
I studied quality control of measurements. That taught me how to read a label critically. Not just what a product claims, but how it proves what it says.
This calculator helps you spot the spin. Answer a few questions about the label, and you’ll get a score showing how transparent the product actually is.
Score the Product
How This Works
Greenwashing happens when companies make environmental claims that sound good but lack evidence or transparency.
This calculator evaluates four key indicators of honesty on a product label.
Full ingredient list. If a company is hiding ingredients, that’s a red flag. Transparent companies list everything.
Third-party certification. Independent certifications carry weight. Self-certification does not.
Specific vs vague claims. “Biodegradable” is vague. “Biodegrades within 28 days under OECD 301B testing” is specific.
Evidence backing. Real environmental companies cite test data, studies, or standards. Greenwashers use pretty language and no numbers.
Understanding Your Score
Your score ranges from 0 to 12. Higher is better.
10 to 12. Very Low Greenwashing Risk. This product appears transparent. This company is likely serious about its environmental claims.
6 to 9. Moderate Greenwashing. The product makes some solid claims but uses vague language elsewhere. Some marketing spin is happening.
3 to 5. High Greenwashing. Heavy eco-language with little transparency or evidence. Be cautious.
0 to 2. Extreme Greenwashing. This product is marketed as green but offers no transparency, no certification, and no evidence.
Important Limitations
This is a screening tool, not definitive proof. A high score does not guarantee the product is truly green. A low score does not prove it is bad.
✗ Does not verify certifications independently
✗ Does not test the product itself
✗ Does not account for supply chain issues
✗ Does not replace independent research
Scientific Basis
Based on:
FTC Green Guides. The US Federal Trade Commission provides rules for environmental marketing claims. Companies cannot make vague or unsubstantiated eco-claims.
Read FTC Green Guides →
ISO 14000 Environmental Management Standards. International standards for what counts as legitimate environmental certification.
Learn about ISO 14000 →