Sustainability is trending. But not everything labeled “eco” is actually good for the planet. Welcome to the world of greenwashing — when brands make products sound sustainable without actually being sustainable.
Let’s bust five of the biggest myths floating around:
1. “Organic” Always Means Ethical
Just because something is “organic” doesn’t mean it’s produced ethically.
True ethical products have certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), covering both environmental impact and workers’ rights. No certification? No guarantee.
2. “Made from Recycled Materials” = Automatically Sustainable
Sounds great, right? But recycled doesn’t always mean clean.
If the recycling process itself uses toxic chemicals or huge amounts of energy, the environmental win is minimal. Always ask about how it’s recycled.
3. “Locally Produced” Is Always Better
Local production sounds greener, but production methods matter more.
A locally made t-shirt using toxic dyes is worse for the planet than an ethically produced organic tee shipped internationally.
4. “Carbon Offsetting” Fixes Everything
Offsetting emissions is a bandaid — not a cure.
Real sustainability means reducing emissions at the source, not just paying to “cancel them out” later.
5. “Eco-Friendly” Labels Mean Full Transparency
Anyone can slap “eco-friendly” on a tag.
Real transparency means sharing exactly how materials are sourced, processed, and transported.
At Sustainable Better Merch, we don’t play the greenwashing game.
We work with certified organic and recycled fabrics, ethical printers, and transparent supply chains. No shortcuts, no BS. 🌱
Ready to create real sustainable merch?
Learn about our commitment to sustainability or get a quote here to start better.
