How do I know if a brand actually aligns with my values or just greenwashes?

Sor Juana spent her life asking hard questions about what's real versus what's performed—and that's exactly what you need to do here. Start by looking beyond the marketing language. Does the company publish actual supply chain information, third-party certifications, or detailed environmental reports? Greenwashing often hides in vague claims like "eco-friendly" or "sustainable" without specifics. Check if they're transparent about labor practices, not just their finished product. Follow the money: who owns the company, where do profits go, what are they funding? Read reviews from workers or communities actually affected by their operations, not just customer testimonials. And notice what they're *not* talking about—silence on certain practices is itself information. You won't find perfect alignment; what matters is honest tradeoffs. A company that admits their challenges and shows concrete improvement steps is more trustworthy than one claiming zero impact. Trust your skepticism. You're not being cynical by asking these questions—you're being thoughtful about where your resources actually go.