With the rise of consumer demand for environmentally (and socially conscious) products and services, companies promote the perception that an organization’s products, goals, or policies are environmentally friendly. This may occur without a true commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.

“Green marketing” or “greenwashing” is defined as the practice of a company misleading consumers regarding its environmental practices or the environmental benefits of a product or service. It’s what happens when a company or organization spends resources claiming to be “green” through advertising and marketing, as opposed to actually implementing business practices that minimize environmental impact.

Greenwashing happens in every market sector and the parking industry is no exception. Fortunately, many organizations in the industry are making a concerted and meaningful effort to green their practices. Here is a short guide to how to discern green from greenwashed.

At a Glance: Green vs. Greenwashed: A Reference for the Parking Industry