With the vast majority of global consumers saying that they would be willing to pay more for products and services with environmental benefits, this trend will only continue to grow in the coming years, so it's time to start paying attention. Here are five sustainability trends that will change how we shop in the near future.
1) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle + Repurpose & Repair
Reuse - Once you've bought a product, try to reuse it as much as possible and reuse or recycle what you can't use before throwing it away!
Recycle - Whenever possible, try to recycle items that contain recyclable components like glass, metal, paper, or plastic rather than throwing them in the trash.
Repurpose - If you have items around the house that are broken or no longer wanted, try fixing them up and repurposing them instead of throwing them out!
Repair - Repairing something is a great way to reduce the demand for more resources, cut down on our carbon footprint, and save money. When an item breaks or becomes unusable, take it apart and repair it one part at a time until it's fixed!
2) Accessibility
Accessibility is an essential factor in sustainability and social responsibility. Consumers want to know that the products they buy are affordable, accessible, and convenient.
They also want to know that their purchases will not negatively affect the environment or the people who make them. Products purchased online and shipped directly to customers' homes are better for accessibility than those bought at retail stores because they reduce transportation costs and emissions generated by transporting goods from factories to stores.
3) Creative Upcycling
For those of us who are eco-conscious, creative upcycling is an attractive idea. It's not just about saving the environment; it's also about saving money. In today's economy, every dollar counts!
The popularity of DIY projects has led to an increase in creative upcycling. Creative upcycling takes recyclable materials and turns them into something new and beautiful. This can be achieved by painting on a used book or turning old t-shirts into quilts.
4) Conscious Packaging
Conscious Packaging - A product's packaging is an integral part of the design process. It can influence and change consumer behavior, which is why companies like Nestle and L'Oreal have pledged to make their packaging 100% recyclable by 2025.
Consumers also demand more environmentally-friendly packaging from brands, with 23% saying they would stop buying from a brand if their packaging was not sustainable.
5) Clean Beauty
Clean beauty is the hottest trend in the beauty industry for a few reasons. The ingredients are made from plants, fruits, and minerals without animal testing or chemical preservatives. It's natural, cruelty-free, and sustainable.
This way of thinking about beauty has helped to change how we shop for good by making it easier to know what goes into our products.