I don't know if you have heard of greenwashing, a combination of the words 'green' and 'whitewashing', which is the term used to define a deceptive practice that some companies use to make their products or services appear more environmentally friendly than they actually are.

This practice is based on the use of marketing and advertising strategies that appeal to the ecological consciousness of consumers, but do not correspond to the reality of the company, such as the inclusion of false or misleading ecological labels, the exaggeration of the ecological characteristics of a product, or the omission of important information.For example, a company may claim that its product is '100% natural' or 'free of harmful chemicals', but it may not be true.

They can also include labels like 'eco-friendly' or 'environmentally friendly' on their products without having a certification to back up those claims.The main goal of greenwashing is to increase sales and improve the company's image, although there is not always a real commitment to the environment. Greenwashing can be especially problematic because consumers looking for environmentally friendly products may end up buying products that are not really so.

To avoid falling into the traps of greenwashing, it is important for consumers to research and inform themselves about the products they are buying. Seeking information from reliable sources and being aware of exaggerated labels and claims can help avoid deception. In addition, supporting companies that really care about the environment can be a way to encourage more sustainable and responsible practices.

The energy sector is very affected by greenwashing. Many players declare themselves as green companies or offer “green rates” when they continue to invest in fossil fuels or nuclear energy. An illusory image of ecological responsibility is created, a greenwashing of polluting energies. That is, actions taken by companies that care about the environment, when their activities are harmful.

The European taxonomy is a classification system for economic activities that seek to be environmentally friendly and sustainable in the long term. Its goal is to establish which activities meet sustainability criteria, and which do not. Thanks to this tool, investors can have greater security when deciding where to invest their money sustainably. In addition, this taxonomy is not limited only to the energy sector, but also extends to other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, transport, and forestry.

It is expected to become a leading tool in guiding investments towards ecological transition. This is because it is understood that public money will not be enough to achieve sustainability goals. Therefore, the European taxonomy seeks to ensure that investments are sustainable and respectful of the environment, which in turn would promote a more sustainable economy in the long term.