Study Says Big Dairy And Meat Companies Are Greenwashing
HEALTH
5/2/2026
WARM-UP
Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.
Do you think companies always tell the truth about being environmentally
friendly?
Have you heard of “greenwashing” before?
Do you trust labels like “eco” or “sustainable” on products?
VOCABULARY
Essential (A1–B1)
company – a business organization
Example: The company sells food products.
environment – the natural world around us
Example: We should protect the environment.
claim – something people say is true
Example: The claim was not supported by evidence.
product – something that is made and sold
Example: This product is popular in many countries.
truth – what is real or correct
Example: It is important to tell the truth.
Developed (B2–C2)
greenwashing – misleading actions or claims that make something seem environmentally friendly when it is not
Example: Many companies have been accused of greenwashing.
misleading – giving a false or incorrect idea
Example: The advertisement was misleading about its environmental impact.
sustainability claims – statements about being environmentally responsible
Example: The company made strong sustainability claims without proof.
regulatory framework – a system of rules and laws controlling activities
Example: A stricter regulatory framework could reduce false claims.
public perception – how people generally view something
Example: public perception of the brand improved after the campaign.
READING
Introduction
“Some companies say they care about the environment, but this is not always true. This text explains greenwashing and its impact. Read and focus on the main ideas.”
(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)
Article (All Levels)
Many companies say their products are good for the environment. They use labels and messages to show this.
However, some of these claims are not true. This is called greenwashing.
This can make it difficult for people to know the truth about what they are buying.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
A recent study suggests that many environmental statements made by major corporations may be examples of greenwashing.
Researchers found that a large number of sustainability claims were either misleading or lacked evidence. These claims often rely on vague language to influence public perception.
Experts argue that without a stronger regulatory framework, companies may continue to promote an environmentally responsible image without making meaningful changes.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
(Answer based on your level.)
A1–A2
What do companies say about their products?
What is greenwashing?
Is it easy to know the truth?
B1–B2
Why do companies use environmental claims?
What problems did researchers find in these claims?
How do companies influence public perception?
C1–C2
How does greenwashing affect consumer trust?
Why are sustainability claims often misleading?
What role does regulation play in preventing greenwashing?
SPEAKING
(Choose a question level.)
A1–A2 — Foundation
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + 1 reason)
“I think ___ because ___.”
“One problem today is ___.”
“I worry about ___ because ___.”
“This makes people feel ___.”
Personal Questions:
Do you trust companies? Why?
Do you care about the environment?
Do you read labels on products?
Have you heard of greenwashing?
Do you think all claims are true?
Do you try to help the environment?
Do you recycle at home?
Do you think companies should tell the truth?
Do you buy eco-friendly products?
Do you think ads can be misleading?
Do you trust big brands?
Do you think people care about sustainability?
Do you check where products come from?
Do you think companies should change?
Do you want to help the environment more?
B1–B2 — Expansion
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + reason + 2 details)
“I feel ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___.”
“One challenge is ___, which affects ___ and ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___; in particular, ___ and ___.”
“This situation makes people feel ___, especially when ___ and ___.”
Personal Questions:
Why do companies use sustainability claims?
How does greenwashing affect consumers?
Do you think companies are often misleading?
How can people identify false claims?
Should governments control company claims?
How does advertising affect public perception?
Do you trust eco-labels on products?
What environmental issues concern you most?
How can companies improve transparency?
Should people pay more for sustainable products?
How do companies influence your buying decisions?
What role does social media play in awareness?
Do you think companies care about profit or environment more?
How can consumers fight greenwashing?
Do benefits of sustainability claims outweigh risks?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)
“I feel ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___, and ___; as a result, ___.”
“One significant issue is ___, which influences ___ and ___; however, ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___, including ___ and ___; this leads me to ___.”
“I think the future is ___ because ___, especially considering ___ and ___; ultimately, ___.”
Personal Questions:
How does greenwashing undermine environmental progress?
To what extent are sustainability claims driven by marketing rather than action?
How can a stronger regulatory framework reduce misleading practices?
What impact does public perception have on corporate behavior?
Should companies face penalties for misleading claims?
How can consumers critically evaluate environmental messaging?
What ethical responsibilities do corporations have toward the environment?
How does greenwashing affect long-term climate action?
Can transparency improve trust between companies and consumers?
What role should media play in exposing greenwashing?
How do global corporations influence environmental standards?
Are consumers partly responsible for greenwashing trends?
How might greenwashing evolve in the future?
What policies could effectively reduce false environmental claims?
In your view, can capitalism align with true sustainability?
