Because of the growing concern regarding climate change, consumers make it a point to build awareness and do their part by patronizing sustainable brands. A survey by Accenture found that 37% of consumers would consider the product’s impact on the environment prior to purchase. Comparing their consumption habits from five years ago, 72% of respondents purchase more eco-friendly products in the present.
According to the Harvard Business Review, “50% of CPG growth from 2013 to 2018 came from sustainability-marketed products.” Because of this, bigger brands have noticed the rise in numbers and are starting to get on board. Unilever, for example, found that 70% of their turnover growth came from their sustainable options.
Many would contend that this trend does not actually make a change in the climate crisis. After all, corporations are responsible for a huge chunk of pollution and carbon emissions. However, the more consumers shift to sustainable options, the more corporations are going to adapt to the changing market. Perhaps, in a perfect world, this green consciousness would change the minds of the big guys.
While so many of the population work on that shared goal, small businesses can do their part and lead by example. Because small businesses are close-knit with their communities and customers, they can spark the eco-friendly light by building a sustainable brand.
Don’t forget about the things that go down the drain
Just because they’ve been flushed out from your sight doesn’t mean you should stop caring about them. For example, fat, oil, and grease that you drain can clog pipes like concrete. The little bits of food that you let go down the drain can also decompose in the sewers, releasing harmful chemicals that go straight to bodies of water.
To avoid these problems, you should do regular septic tank pumping to take away the things that are harmful to the environment and cause inconveniences in the future. It’s also best to avoid the entire problem from the start by putting a stain on top of the drain or learning how to compost.
Be mindful of packaging
The problem with packaging is that it is neither recyclable nor a participant in the circular economy.
Most packaging materials are single-use plastic. You tear them and throw it away. Most likely, the majority of the items in your grocery bag are encased in plastic.
Similarly, take-out has so many layers of packaging before you can get to the food. There’s styrofoam boxes, wax paper, aluminum foil, salad bowls, soup containers, cups, lids, etc.–and then there’s the paper bag to carry eveything.
The good news is: there are sustainable options. Instead of styrofoam, there are clamshell packaging made of molded pulp, cornstarch, and other materials that can break down and decompose. For salad bowls and soups, there are microwavable containers that are reusable. As much as possible, try to avoid using plastic, so paper bags is the most accessible option.
Going green may also mean going against the grain. While plastic is cheap, accessible, and easy, it’s cruel to the environment in the long run. By choosing this lifestyle, your and your brand will have to take extra steps to achieve sustainability.