We often think we’re being greener than we really are. Research on the negative footprint illusion shows that when we add an eco-friendly product to our choices, we feel our overall footprint drops – even though it actually increases. This bias affects everyday decisions, from shopping habits to how we evaluate “green” branding and policy nudges. Understanding how our minds simplify complex choices is crucial if we want to make genuinely sustainable decisions and avoid falling for misleading green cues.

How our minds trick us into thinking we are being greener than we really are