Sustainability has become more important than ever for consumers over the last few years. A study by Neilson shows that 73% said they’re willing to change their purchasing choices to create a sustainable environmental impact.

And it’s no wonder to see consumers being so belief-driven like never before because the amount of knowledge they have at their fingertips is unbelievable compared to back in the 70s and 80s.

According to Statista, the sustainable market is going to be worth 5x more ($61.2 billion) by 2030 than it is in 2023 ($13.76 billion). While we look at it from the consumer point of view, it’s high time for merchants and brands to consider being a part of this huge industry while positively impacting the environment.

In this blog post, we will reveal why there has been a major shift in consumer shopping preferences, what people have in mind while shopping sustainably, and what the responsibilities of modern brands are in light of these changes.

Curious? Let’s keep reading!

Why The Change In Trend?: 4 Reasons For Consumer Inclination Toward Sustainable Products

It’s crucial to understand the causes of such a big shift in consumers’ mindsets and choices. Studying them will fuel us to keep the sustainability movement going forward.

1. Access To Information

The internet has changed the world and people’s mindsets and behaviors. So, growing environmental issues like deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss are no longer unheard of by a major share of the population.

News coverage, social media, media outlets, documentaries, and educational campaigns are constantly raising consumer awareness and changing the landscape for sustainable industry. An informed shopper is more likely to make an eco-friendly choice than an ignorant one.

2. Increased Responsibility

Consumers are educated and well-informed about the consequences of their choices, so the choices differ from what they used to be. They take responsibility for their purchases, which is one of the main reasons for the boom of sustainable industries.

3. Desire for Meaningful Experiences

The consumer’s desire to make a meaningful impact is growing every day. They want to create a better world for their future generations—one that is cleaner and greener.

People want to support brands that spread positivity and love and protect their environment, which results in increased customer loyalty.

For example, instead of buying any ordinary slippers, these Portonovi VEGEA slippers are hugely popular among customers because of their 100% recycled materials.

4. Rising Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

CSR is a relatively new business model which holds a business, its stakeholders, and practices accountable socially. Models like CSR urge companies to monitor the impact they leave, their trade practices, and ethics.

With businesses changing for eco-goodness, it is only natural for consumers to tag along.

Why People Shop Sustainable?: 5 Benefits Of Sustainable Shopping

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People expect their favourite brands and companies to produce sustainable products and shopping experiences for their customers. Interestingly, a Cone Commission CSR Study study shows that 92% of consumers are likely to build a deeper relationship with brands supporting social or environmental issues.

But why do people prefer sustainable shopping? What benefits do sustainable products offer that compels them to come back again?

Here are 5 reasons why sustainable shopping is people want to shop sustainably:

1. Biodiversity Preservation

By supporting sustainable brands, you’re empowering organic farming, reducing agricultural run-offs, and protecting nature—the plants, the flowers, and the bees. So, when you go to the internet for online shopping, buying sustainable products supports hard-working farmers and local brands that share your compassion towards the environment.

2. Reduced Air Pollution

Sustainable products are manufactured by those companies that value the importance of human life. So they use renewable energy resources, lower carbon footprint, and minimal use of harmful chemicals that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

People who want themselves, their kids, parents, friends, and colleagues to breathe in fresher air keep buying sustainable products.

3. Encouraging Tech Advancements

As the demand for sustainable products keeps growing, there’s pressure on the tech giants to pay attention to sustainable industry. Buying sustainable products and encouraging others to join you drives companies to invest in research and development, fostering innovation in eco-friendly materials, production methods, and technologies.

4. Empowering Traditional Craftsmanship

Sustainable brands and merchants often support and collaborate with local artists to empower traditional craftsmanship—a skill nearly dead in this fast-paced, internet-led world. The idea of supporting sustainable brands also follows supporting local artists.

These Bold earrings are 100% handmade and crafted by Turkish artisans. They even use recycled gold for their entire production.

5. Reduction of Water Waste & Water Pollution

The production of sustainably produced foods differs from the production of conventional brands. They understand the effects our environment will have if they use harmful materials.

Using sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable materials reduces water pollution, and following sustainable agriculture practices like agroforestry and rainwater harvesting helps reduce water wastage significantly.

What’s Next?: The Role of Sustainable Brands

You need to perform excellently to bring a new trend for society to follow. When we talk about the rise of sustainable and eco-friendly products, we can’t afford to ignore the role of sustainable brands.

1. Educating Customers

Sustainable brands have a big hand in educating consumers about the importance of sustainable products. Their marketing campaigns should actively inform and educate their loyal customers through their blogs and social media, influencing customers’ behavior and decisions.

2. Setting the Standards

One of the most effective ways to encourage customers is by openly showcasing your sustainable practices from manufacturing to packaging. Be transparent about your environmental impact, from raw material extraction to disposal. Actively work to minimize the involvement of carbon footprint, make sure that there are safe working conditions and fair wages for labourers, and exploring plant-based alternatives to avoid harmful material.

3. Balancing Profit with Purpose

Sustainable brands that have taken responsibility for environmental and social issues while maintaining their financial success are true gems challenging the notion that sustainable brands are expensive with no profit margin.

As a sustainable brand, look for ways that support eco-friendly motives but are also beneficial for your growth.

4. Adapting to Consumer Preferences

With high demand, there’s more feedback for sustainable brands. But the good part is you can consider it and act upon your customer advice and create a more attractive brand.

Expand product lines and innovate design functionality and technology.

The Green Revolution: What We’ve Learned

Recent decades have seen a major shift in customer preferences. People are now willing to spend their money on the greater good instead of just shopping.

We learned why people are changing their shopping habits, the benefits of sustainable shopping that make people buy them, and the role of sustainable brands in all this.

Are you ready to take responsibility for the future of our planet? It all starts with your little support towards eco-friendly brands and platforms like the Swiss Impact Store.

Making Sustainable Lifestyle Transformation Easy

SiS is more than a simple e-commerce platform. Our mission is to encourage, help, and inspire people to look for sustainable sourcing, reduce production waste, carbon footprint, and make conscious choices.

Whether you’re on the hunt for sustainable clothing, clean beauty, or ethical homeware, our team has done the hard work for you, carefully screening brands before ever being displayed at SIS.

So all that’s left for you is to shop with peace of mind.

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