Term

Interpretation

Category of Analysis:  Critical Term, Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Biodegradable Bluff

Explicitly calls out deceptive use of "biodegradable" claims.

Critical Term

Carbon Theater

Labels the performative aspect of carbon claims without genuine impact.

Critical Term

Clean Cotton Myth

Highlights the deceptive nature of "clean cotton" claims, glossing over issues like water use or pesticides.

Critical Term

Closed-Loop Myth

Calls out the often unattainable ideal of perfect circularity in textiles.

Critical Term

Conscious Washing

Directly critiques the use of vague "conscious" terminology.

Critical Term

Deceptive Sustainability

Describes the act of using misleading language or euphemisms about sustainability.

Critical Term

Eco-baiting

Describes the act of using environmental claims to entice consumers.

Critical Term

Eco-excuses

Describes justifications for inaction on environmental issues.

Critical Term

Eco-tokenism

Describes superficial environmental gestures without meaningful change.

Critical Term

Ethical Blindfold

Describes a deliberate ignorance of ethical issues.

Critical Term

Ethical Evasion

Describes the act of avoiding ethical responsibilities.

Critical Term

Ethical Exceptionalism

Describes the belief that one is exempt from ethical standards.

Critical Term

Ethical Monoculture

Describes a lack of diversity or critical thinking in ethical approaches.

Critical Term

Fair Trade Fiction

Explicitly questions the authenticity of fair trade claims.

Critical Term

Green Smokescreen

Describes the act of obfuscating or hiding true environmental impact.

Critical Term

Nature Nostalgia

Describes an idealized view of nature, potentially ignoring modern complexities.

Critical Term

Offset Illusion

Describes the deceptive nature of carbon offsetting claims.

Critical Term

Recycled Rhetoric

Describes repetitive and sometimes empty claims about recycling.

Critical Term

Sustainababble

Describes vague, meaningless, or overly complex sustainability jargon.

Critical Term

Sustainable Pretender

Describes a brand or product claiming sustainability without genuine practice.

Critical Term

Transparency Mirage

Describes a deceptive illusion of openness.

Critical Term

Upcycle Veneer

Describes a superficial or cosmetic application of upcycling.

Critical Term

Virtue Signaling Fashion

Describes a superficial display of ethical or sustainable concern.

Critical Term

Zero Waste Theater

Specifically calls out the performative aspect of "zero waste" claims.

Critical Term

Pre-loved

A mild term for "used" or "second-hand, designed to enhance appeal.

Euphemism

Biodegradable

Sounds positive, but often lacks context regarding breakdown conditions or byproducts.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Carbon Neutral

Often relies on offsetting, which doesn't eliminate emissions and can mask true impact.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Conscious Clothing

Vague term that can imply ethical/sustainable practices without concrete backing.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Eco-chic

Often used to describe fashion that *looks* eco-friendly but may lack genuine credentials.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Eco-costume

Implies a superficial, appearance-based approach to eco-friendliness.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Eco-Efficiency

Can be euphemistic if it implies sufficient progress without addressing absolute environmental impact.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Ethical Facade

Describes an appearance of ethics that may conceal a lack of true ethical practice.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Ethical Luxury

Can be euphemistic if the luxury aspect (high consumption, resource-intensive) overshadows ethical gains.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Fast Sustainable

An oxymoron; "sustainable" here euphemistically glosses over the inherent unsustainability of fast fashion's model.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Green Credentials

Can be euphemistic if the "credentials" are weak, unverified, or irrelevant to overall impact.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Landfill Diversion

Sounds positive, but can be euphemistic if waste is simply moved to another problematic outcome.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Natural Fibers

While natural, their production can be resource-intensive (water, land, pesticides); term doesn't guarantee sustainability.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Non-toxic Dyes

Can be euphemistic if it doesn't specify all chemicals used or the overall environmental impact of the dyeing process.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Plastic-free

Can be euphemistic if replaced materials also have significant environmental impacts.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Regenerative Farming

A genuine concept, but can be euphemistic if claimed without true implementation or to mask other issues.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Responsible Innovation

Can be euphemistic if innovation" is minor or "responsible" isn't rigorously defined/applied.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Second-life Materials

Similar to "recycled"; can be euphemistic if the "second life" is low-value or process is polluting.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Sustainably Sourced

Can be euphemistic if "sustainably" is weakly defined, uncertified, or applies to only a small part of the supply chain.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Upcycled

Can be euphemistic if the "upcycling" is merely cosmetic or the process is resource-intensive.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically

Zero Waste

An ideal that can be a euphemism if used by brands far from achieving true zero waste.

Likely Euphemism or Used Euphemistically