The latest company to be accused of greenwashing is Lululemon, an activewear, loungewear, and footwear apparel company. In a recent GlobalData Explainer, a market research firm whose mission is to help clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative, the firm reports: “Lululemon is the latest brand caught up in allegations of ‘misleading’ consumers with its sustainability claims as industry experts say companies must ensure any green claims made are ‘reasonable and balanced’ to prevent reputational damage.”

The accusation comes from Stand.earth, who describes itself as “combining world-leading research with people-powered actions, strategic communications, and a firm but compassionate presence at the negotiating table.” Global Data reports, “Stand.Earth pointed to the company’s latest impact report which it said “revealed another year of staggering growth in emissions—in fact, a 100% increase in climate pollution.” Yikes!

I’ll admit, I have some Lululemon pieces, and I know they are not made from natural fibers. The Stand.earth accusation alleges “the company relies heavily on climate-damaging fossil fuels to make its products—more than 60% of the materials it uses are fossil fuel-derived, materials which contribute to climate pollution, cannot be effectively recycled, do not biodegrade, and release microplastics in the oceans and waterways.”