Green products may not necessarily make people better. A study by Nina Mazar and Chen-Bo Zhong found that exposure to green products can lead to more altruistic behavior, while purchasing green products may license unethical behavior. The research, published in Psychological Science, examined how green consumerism affects social and ethical behaviors. In Experiment 1, participants rated green consumers as more cooperative, altruistic, and ethical than conventional consumers. In Experiment 2, participants exposed to green products shared more money in a dictator game, while those who purchased green products shared less. This suggests that mere exposure to green products increases prosocial behavior, while purchasing green products may license unethical behavior. In Experiment 3, participants who purchased green products were more likely to lie and steal than those who purchased conventional products. This indicates that purchasing green products can lead to clear ethical violations. The study highlights the complex relationship between consumer behavior and moral regulation. While exposure to green products can promote prosocial behavior, purchasing green products may establish moral credentials that license unethical behavior. The findings suggest that consumption is more closely linked to social and moral behavior than previously thought.Green products may not necessarily make people better. A study by Nina Mazar and Chen-Bo Zhong found that exposure to green products can lead to more altruistic behavior, while purchasing green products may license unethical behavior. The research, published in Psychological Science, examined how green consumerism affects social and ethical behaviors. In Experiment 1, participants rated green consumers as more cooperative, altruistic, and ethical than conventional consumers. In Experiment 2, participants exposed to green products shared more money in a dictator game, while those who purchased green products shared less. This suggests that mere exposure to green products increases prosocial behavior, while purchasing green products may license unethical behavior. In Experiment 3, participants who purchased green products were more likely to lie and steal than those who purchased conventional products. This indicates that purchasing green products can lead to clear ethical violations. The study highlights the complex relationship between consumer behavior and moral regulation. While exposure to green products can promote prosocial behavior, purchasing green products may establish moral credentials that license unethical behavior. The findings suggest that consumption is more closely linked to social and moral behavior than previously thought.