Lesson Aim
Students watch a business video about greenwashing and practise language for sustainability claims, consumer trust, carbon offsets, ESG funds and environmental regulation.
Before watching
- What sustainability claims do companies often make?
- Why might customers pay more for sustainable products?
- How can a company prove that an environmental claim is true?
Prep Part 1
Drag the correct sentence ending into each gap.
Sentence endings
fail to fully do what was promisedit makes itself seem more eco-friendly than it really is.it fails to fully do what it said it would do.packaging designed to reduce environmental harmmisleading people into thinking a company is more eco-friendly than it isWatch Part 1
Watch from 0:03 to about 2:01. Focus on sustainability marketing, consumer demand, the H&M case and the definition of greenwashing.
Open Part 1 on YouTube
Comprehension 1
Choose an answer to get instant green/red feedback.
1. How much did sales of consumer packaged goods advertising sustainability rise in North America?
2. What do more than 60% of consumers say?
3. What did the lawsuit against H&M claim?
4. Why is green branding profitable?
Vocabulary from Part 1
Companies use sustainability buzzwords more .
Some companies fall short of their eco-friendly .
Greenwashing can mislead .
Investors may prefer companies with lower carbon .
Options
footprintsfrequentlyairfaresconsumerspromisesPrep Part 2
Drag the correct sentence ending into each gap.
Sentence endings
n action intended to balance greenhouse gas emissionsheck and confirm that something is truethey take stronger action against misleading environmental claims.eing clear and open about informationit checks and confirms that the claim is true.Watch Part 2
Watch from about 2:01 to the end. Focus on carbon offsets, weak goals, long timelines, the Paris Agreement and regulation in the EU and US.
Open Part 2 on YouTube
Comprehension 2
Choose an answer to get instant green/red feedback.
1. Why do critics object to greenwashing?
2. What is one criticism of carbon offsets?
3. Why are decades-long timelines a problem?
4. What does the EU proposal require companies to do?
Vocabulary from Part 2
Greenwashing often involves weak environmental .
Carbon credits are a tradable .
The environmental impact is not always clear to .
Claims may need to be independently .
Options
goalsmonopolycommodityverifiedconsumersVocabulary Review
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| greenwashing | misleading sustainability marketing | Critics accused the company of greenwashing. |
| eco-friendly promise | a claim that something benefits the environment | Some firms fall short of eco-friendly promises. |
| carbon footprint | the amount of carbon emissions linked to an activity or company | Investors want companies with lower carbon footprints. |
| carbon offset | a tradable action meant to balance emissions | Companies buy carbon offsets to claim lower emissions. |
| scientific evidence | proof based on research or verified data | The EU wants claims backed by scientific evidence. |
Phrasal Verbs and Expressions
Companies can fall of their promises.
H&M said it was looking the allegations.
Companies may need to back their claims.
Regulators are cracking on misleading claims.
Multinationals prefer not to work different sets of rules.
Options
shortoverintoupdownwithCollocations
sustainable
misleading
carbon
greenhouse gas
deceptive
Options
offsetslanguageroutesemissionspackagingadvertisingB2/C1 Grammar: Gerunds and Infinitives for Sustainability Claims
This section practises using gerunds and infinitives to discuss greenwashing, consumer trust, regulation and corporate responsibility.
Grammar Section 1: Choose the Correct Form
Choose an answer to get instant green/red feedback.
1. Companies should avoid ___ vague sustainability claims.
2. Regulators want companies ___ environmental claims with scientific evidence.
3. Some brands risk ___ consumers if their labels are unclear.
Grammar Section 2: Gerund or Infinitive?
Companies promise emissions by 2050.
Critics accuse some brands of .
Consumers expect companies transparent.
Regulators are considering deceptive environmental claims.
Firms need their sustainability data.
Options
penalisingto verifygreenwashingto reduceto beverifyGrammar Section 3: Useful Patterns
| Pattern | Example | Use |
|---|---|---|
| avoid + gerund | Companies should avoid making vague claims. | Say what should not happen. |
| risk + gerund | Brands risk losing consumer trust. | Describe possible negative consequences. |
| promise + infinitive | The company promised to reduce emissions. | Describe future commitments. |
| need + infinitive | Firms need to provide scientific evidence. | Describe requirements. |
| accuse someone of + gerund | Critics accused the brand of misleading customers. | Report criticism. |
Thought-Provoking Questions
1. Why is greenwashing dangerous for consumers?
2. Should companies be punished for vague sustainability claims?
3. Are carbon offsets a useful tool or a distraction?
4. How can consumers check whether a product is genuinely sustainable?
5. Should all environmental claims require scientific evidence?
6. Why do companies prefer global rules rather than different rules in each market?
7. Is it better for companies to make imperfect progress or avoid claims until they are fully sustainable?
Role Play
| Company spokesperson | Regulator / journalist | Useful language |
|---|---|---|
| Our packaging uses recycled materials. We are committed to lower emissions. We are investing in carbon offsets. | Can you verify that claim? What are your short-term targets? How transparent is your data? | We can provide evidence that... The concern is that... To avoid greenwashing, we need... |
Context
Student A
You are the company spokesperson. Defend the sustainability campaign and explain what evidence you have.
Student B
You are a regulator or journalist. Ask about materials, carbon offsets, timelines, verification and consumer transparency.
Role play task: Agree on three changes the company must make to avoid greenwashing.
Thank You
You have completed the ESL CONNECT video lesson.