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5 WAYS TO PROMOTE AUTHENTICITY IN YOUR BRAND STORY, WITHOUT GREENWASHING

Greenwashing — you’ve heard it, you’ve seen it, but is your brand doing it? Consumers are swift to sound the alarm when companies make claims of "doing better" or "going beyond" without any evidence to back it up, or worse—when these claims are simply ingenuine.

Understanding how to navigate this delicate balance can be challenging for businesses. If your brand hasn’t incorporated sustainability into the company ethos since its inception—you may be hesitant to showcase your brand’s impactful sustainability practice for fear of “cancel culture”. 

However, by prioritizing your brand's authenticity, you can showcase your brand’s sustainability while steering clear of greenwashing tactics entirely. 

1. PROMOTE REAL-LIFE PROJECTS AND SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES 

Have you funded mangrove restoration projects in Mexico? Share it. Are you collaborating with communities to set up solar chargers? Announce it. Are your office buildings LEED-certified? Proclaim it proudly!

Your brand is its biggest advocate. Instead of blindly embracing sustainability and making exaggerated claims, emphasize the actual initiatives and projects you're actively pursuing. Remember, every initiative matters, no matter how small, and they bring value to your brand's authentic voice in promoting sustainability.

2. SCRAP YOUR GOALS

Well, not entirely. Setting ambitious goals for the future is important, but what are you doing today? Although sustainability goals are highly valuable internally, externally they can be viewed as purely theoretical. Instead of over-emphasizing sustainability targets for 2030, 2050, or 2100, focus on concrete facts and figures—and make this data public information. 

To avoid misleading information or false impressions of progress, it is crucial to establish a benchmark that accurately reflects your starting point and your actions to date. 

Professional tip: Data is a great tool for educating your audience on the significance and impact of those numbers. Data should be made easily interpreted, read, and accessible for all consumers. 

3. CREATE QUALITY CONTENT 

Content cannot be overstated. The quality of your content speaks volumes about your brand. Think about it — would you trust a brand that doesn’t take pride in their work? Your brand's credibility is closely tied to the quality of your content. 

Now, you don’t need to become the Martin Scorsese of your industry, but your content should reflect the impactful work you're doing. Remember, prioritizing quality over quantity is crucial.

Professional tip: Share your brand's sustainability story, and make it timeless. Adding in a well-designed visual identity can tell a convincing story. 

4. EMBRACE TRANSPARENCY

In today’s competitive landscape, it's essential to be transparent about your company's supply chain responsibility. Transparency can be a deciding factor in a consumer choosing your brand versus another. Brands are continuously engaged in a game of tug-of-war for consumer attention on social media, and other sources where information is readily available. 

From tracing emissions to viewing conditions of material sourcing locations, consumers are empowered by knowledge like never before. Being transparent is not only an ethical practice, but can be used as a powerful tool to build trust and credibility. 

Professional tip: One way to demonstrate transparency is by providing high-quality content. Adding this to your company’s sustainability story can help your brand build a loyal consumer base. 

5. IF YOU CAN, DO… IF YOU CAN’T, COLLABORATE! 

Have you ever thought about exploring a project, initiative, or partnership that piques your brand's interest, even if it falls outside your industry?  

There are 1.5 million non-profits in the United States alone, and around 10 million globally! By partnering with established voices in the field, you not only validate your sustainability efforts but also gain a plethora of stories to share on your platform. 

Keep an eye out for brand partners who share your sustainability values and goals, connect with them, and collaborate to drive collective action. 

KEY TAKEAWAY

Don't underestimate the importance of building authenticity for your brand. Greenwashing aside, authenticity is about creating a compelling story that is accurate and genuine to your brand voice. By showcasing your brand culture in a meaningful way, you can successfully integrate your values into your company's actions, and share inspiring stories of impact along the way.

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