Which one of the following best describes the term "greenwashing"?
A
Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
B
Non-inclusion of ecological/ environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
C
Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development
D
Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
1. The question asks for the best description of the term "greenwashing".
2. Greenwashing refers to the practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology, or company practice.
3. Option (A) defines it as conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound. This aligns perfectly with the definition of greenwashing.
4. Option (B) describes an issue related to national accounting (non-inclusion of environmental costs in financial statements), not greenwashing.
5. Option (C) describes environmentally damaging infrastructure development, not the act of misleading claims.
6. Option (D) describes incorporating environmental costs into projects, which is related to environmental management, not greenwashing.
7. Therefore, option (A) provides the best description of greenwashing.