EcoTruth 101: Decoding greenwashing, the pilot training in Berlin

From 4 to 10 September 2025 we joined our partners in exploring the EcoTruth 101: Decoding Greenwashing programme and handbook. The activity took place within the project GreenGuard – Mobilising digital solutions for genuine environmental progress. As one of the partners, we were glad to see 12 educators immerse themselves in sustainability and pick up the tools to analyse and challenge misleading “green” claims.

The five-day pilot training, held in Berlin, gave participants practical knowledge and concrete strategies for recognising and countering greenwashing. Beyond the information, it opened space for learning together, exchanging experience and developing creative ways to encourage genuine sustainability.

The training is part of a wider non-formal education programme and its handbook, which set out:

• to equip educators and teachers with practical tools for working with young people,
• to empower young people to think critically and recognise greenwashing,
• to encourage leadership and active participation in protecting the environment.

By running the pilot phase together with the other project partners, we tested the methodology for effectiveness, inclusiveness and adaptability, and participants came away with tools they can use in their work straight away.

After the training in Berlin, the programme will be shared and delivered through the partner organisations, giving it wider reach and strengthening our shared capacity to counter greenwashing in Europe and beyond.

As project partners we are proud that EcoTruth 101 does not stop at raising awareness: it equips and empowers. The pilot laid the ground for an effect that will reach far beyond Berlin, prompting educators and young people to act for the environment in earnest.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.