With growing environmental awareness, terms like “greenwashing” have become common place. However, another term is making waves in the sustainability conversation: greenstalling. Understanding greenstalling, its impact, and how to overcome it is essential for any business owner committed to genuine environmental progress.

What is greenstalling?

Greenstalling refers to the practice where businesses or governments delay meaningful environmental action while creating the illusion of progress. This stalling can manifest itself various forms, from endless planning to the announcement of ambitious goals without the steps to achieve them. Unlike greenwashing, greenstalling often involves a more subtle form of procrastination that can be harder to identify.

The details of greenstalling

Greenstalling often involves several tactics:

• Promising net-zero emissions by a target date without taking any concrete steps starting now.
• Counting on not-yet-developed technologies to solve current environmental problems to delay action.
• Constantly forming new environmental committees or commissioning reports that create the appearance of action while delaying any real results.
• Focusing on small, less impactful actions to distract from the lack of actual progress.

Why does greenstalling matter?

Greenstalling is an important business issue because it undermines genuine efforts to combat environmental problems. Here’s why it matters:

Wasting time: Climate change is an urgent issue. Delays can exacerbate problems, making future solutions more difficult and costly.

Destroying trust: When stakeholders recognise that a business is stalling, it can lead to a loss of trust.

Diverting resources: Resources spent on maintaining the illusion of progress could be better used for actual environmental improvements.

Overcoming greenstalling

Addressing greenstalling requires a strategic approach. Here are some ways to combat this issue:

• Business stakeholders should insist on clear, measurable short-term goals and regular, reporting on progress.
• Encourage a companywide mindset that values immediate, tangible steps over promises.
• Invest in currently available green energy solutions that can make a difference now.
• Third-party audits and certifications that confirm any reported progress is real and substantial.

Greenstalling is a significant barrier to environmental progress. By understanding and recognising this practice, you can take steps to counteract it within your own business and ensure that efforts towards sustainability are effective and sincere. Overcoming greenstalling requires transparency, and a commitment meaningful action. Only then can business owners address environmental challenges.

Achieve business sustainability

If you have stalled your businesses sustainability efforts, it’s time to start real environmental change now. We can guide you through our sustainability solutions to ensure you meet environmental requirements and kick start your sustainability journey.