Clean, Green? Sifting Through the Greenwashing in Hemp

In the world of wellness, "clean" and "green" have become buzzwords used to sell everything from skincare to supplements. And while these terms sound great, they’re often used in ways that are vague, inconsistent, or misleading—a tactic known as greenwashing. At Proof, we believe transparency matters more than trendy language. So let’s break down what these terms should mean when it comes to hemp and CBD—and what they mean to us.

What Does “Clean” Really Mean?

You'll often hear debates over which cannabis or hemp extraction methods are “cleaner,” but this is a red herring. The truth is: all oils—whether it’s CBD, coconut, or olive oil—are extracted using some method. In cannabis and hemp, this process has come under unique scrutiny, but the method itself doesn't determine cleanliness. What does?

A clean extract should:

• Be free from impurities, contaminants, and harmful pesticides.
• Contain only the intended end products — nothing else.
• Have a verified safe amount of residual solvents from the extraction process.
  

These are not subjective claims. They’re measurable facts that can be verified through independent lab testing. At Proof, all of our products are rigorously tested, and we post Certificates of Analysis (COAs) on our website so you can see exactly what’s in (and not in) your product.

"Clean" can also mean free of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. That’s why we test for those too—and share the results. When we say our products are clean, it’s not just marketing—it’s science.

What About “Green”?

The term “green” often gets tossed around to imply environmental responsibility, but without specifics, it doesn’t hold much weight.

At Proof, being green is a commitment, not a catchphrase. We actively work to reduce our environmental impact by:

• Minimizing plastic in our packaging and shipping materials.
• Choosing USPS as our shipping partner because they already visit every address in the country, reducing the additional carbon footprint of deliveries.
  

Want to know more? Check out how USPS supports sustainability here.

The Bottom Line

The hemp industry, like many others, is full of catchy labels and feel-good language. But words like “clean” and “green” only matter if they’re backed by real data and real practices. At Proof, we invite you to look past the buzzwords and dig into the details—because we have nothing to hide.

You can trust that Proof puts the health and safety of our customers—and our planet—first.