How does ‘greenwashing’ affect socially involved companies (social enterprises)?

[Ellie G]

Green-washing is a term describing the deceptive use of green PR or green marketing in order to promote a misleading perception that a company's policies or products are environmentally friendly. According to experts the mass ‘’green’’ branding of products is the result of marketers rushing to respond to consumers' desire for greener sustainable goods and services.

I am interested in different people's opinion on the issue - if companies who 'greenwashed' their products/services in order to improve their image, would affect your opinion about other companies that are in the business of producing and marketing genuine green and sustainable goods and/or are socially involved. Starting a debate is part of my assignment, so any feedback and contributions would be welcome.

Thank you in advance.