Greenwashing is a marketing practice where companies exaggerate or falsely claim their products or policies are environmentally friendly. This can mislead consumers who want to make sustainable choices, as the companies may focus on minor eco-friendly aspects while ignoring larger environmental impacts. The term combines "green," representing environmentalism, and "whitewashing," which means to cover up wrongdoing. Companies engaging in greenwashing often use vague language, misleading labels, or selective information to create a false impression of sustainability. This can undermine genuine efforts by businesses that are truly committed to reducing their environmental footprint.