As consumers, we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy - Emma Watson
In the year 2020, there have been many advancements in technology and trends, which prove how innovative and out-of-the-box mankind is. This year has also seen some trends that move away from fast-paced technology and innovate with traditional crafts and nature.
There is a slow and steady rise in consumers who want to make more informed as well thought out choices when it comes to the products they purchase. Sustainable, natural, and eco-friendly products are at the forefront of this transition to help consumers begin their journey towards a healthy body and skin, and helping them rejuvenate and maintain the planet.
What exactly is the world collectively experiencing in terms of sustainable, natural, and eco-friendly practices? Listed below are some of the practices that are having a major impact on consumers and are also demands that consumers are making towards the market-
1. Fall of Fast Fashion What is fast fashion? Fast fashion is those clothing items that are mass-produced and sold at big retail stores. The process of mass production leads to a lot of materials getting wasted and a lot of pollution caused due to factory processes. What consumers are now looking at is Slow Fashion. This means that consumers are looking at items of clothing that are long-lasting, durable and less harmful to the environment. Garments produced in slow fashion are made with a lot of thought and every garment is unique and most aim at creating zero waste.
2. Sustainable Packaging All of us get enamored by the fancy ad aesthetic packaging a company sells its product in. A good-looking packed product is also Instagram-worthy. But is the packaging really friendly towards the environment? Can it be reused? Does the process of making the packaging damage the environment? How much plastic is used in the packaging? These are just a few of the questions the consumers are now keeping in mind when they shop and look for products. Consumers now choose to buy products that not only support sustainability, and are nature-based, but they also expect the packaging to be friendly towards the environment. Many companies have now made the switch to policies of returning the packaging boxes for reusing, or some are made from handmade paper and recycled papers.
3. Sustainable Fashion and Circularity Along the lines of Slow Fashion, the concept of Circularity has emerged. This refers to where the fashion industry ensures they use materials that are renewable and are safe. The goal is to create products that will last long and that can be recycled or reused. The goal is to educate and equip the consumers with better alternative ways to stylish fashion that does not have a harsh impact on the environment.
4. Demanding Information It is clear that the consumers are the ones that drive the market and the trends. It is no surprise that the consumers will be the ones to demand information from companies they are purchasing from. With the rise in sustainable and natural products, consumers demand that companies mention the ingredients used in the products to make sure their claims to sustainable, natural, and eco-friendly ingredients are true. This step is also beneficial to consumers who are opting for a sustainable and natural lifestyle as they are able to know what goes into the products they are purchasing.
5. Buying Local Consumers are now supporting local brands instead of mass-produced brands for a number of reasons. Some of the main ones being, that local production will have less waste and harmful effects as compared to the bigger companies. In terms of packaging, the amount of plastic generated when you shop online is much more, local companies reduce such usage of plastic.
In the end, it is up to the consumers to change the dynamics in a day and age where everything is mass-produced. Companies and the market are realizing the power the consumers have in terms of demands and are forced to change for the better. While sustainability is still catching up, there are brands, companies,
and local producers who along with the consumers are making a steady impact on sustainability.
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