Companies which use slogans that make unfounded claims about green credentials could face legal action thanks to a new song. On Earth Day 2022, Wherefrom.org listed a new song on Spotify called "Stop the Wash" - that features 120 "green" slogans to stop companies using them - and they'll be sued if they do.
The new song, which is listed on Spotify, iTunes and YouTube, is called "Stop the Wash" and features 120 slogans - a mash-up of existing slogans used by massive corporations and dozens of common phrases - which are now copyrighted, to prevent companies using them without the sustainability credentials to back them up.
A recent European Commission report revealed 42% of companies' "green" claims are exaggerated, false, or deceptive. According to the UK advertising watchdog, in the past 12 months sixteen advertising campaigns from household brands in the UK exaggerated their green credentials and were unable to substantiate them.
The song has been released on Earth Day 2022 - the global calendar event dedicated to highlighting the vital importance of doing more to protect our planet.
As the green slogans feature in an official song, they’ve become subject to music copyright laws and any company that uses them in their marketing to deceive or exaggerate their “green” claims, will be threatened with legal action from Wherefrom.org. A copyright expert, who consulted on the campaign will represent Wherefrom.org in the event of a company using a slogan from Stop the Wash without backing it up.
The green slogans that appear as lyrics include a mix of existing ones used by companies that consumers will be able to recall, and a plethora of common phrases and slogans that could be used by companies in the future, including:
- We’re investing in green
- Our mission is green
- We’re helping the world reach net zero
- Our fuelling is clean
- Be the future
Adam, Co-Founder of Wherefrom.org believes the tactic will shine a light on the serious issue of greenwashing, and with the threat of a lawsuit, deter brands from using green slogans irresponsibly.
The catchy - if not slightly annoying - tune is inspired by the pop rock genre and will be belted out across national radio stations all week, even reaching across the pond in the US. Stop the Wash is listed on Spotify and has so far racked up 7,000 listens.
With the help of the media, and influencers, Wherefrom.org is hoping to push the song up the charts whilst sustainability is front of mind for consumers thanks to Earth Day (April 22nd, 2022).
Wherefrom.org Co-founder, Adam Williams, said: "Greenwashing is rife around the world, with companies deceiving or exaggerating their green credentials as a marketing ploy to reel in consumers. We want it to stop. Our mission is for every product and company in the world to have a Wherefrom score - so everyone can make more sustainable choices, forcing companies to become more sustainable. With so many phony 'green' campaigns out there, we hope that "Stop the Wash" will be a clever tactic to call out brands and stop the use of flaky green slogans - if not we'll sue them using our resident lawyer."
