Article: We Are Consuming More Sustainable Products Because of COVID-19
Green Lifestyle During The Pandemic
I’ve been thinking of how the pandemic pulled the trigger as consumers and changed our habits.
Having plenty of informal and casual conversations with my friends, we had the conclusion of how important it is to take care of ourselves, our relatives, and the planet as well.
That’s the explanation of how many of us changed many habits or routines.
Some of us stopped buying unnecessary clothes; some of us started getting more into nature, birding, hobbies, or changes what we eat, or even further what kind of products we should eat or consume daily.
I would say that now we have more genuinely sustainable sentiment than ever.
That’s what I decided to write this article.
Products that have sustainability initiatives have continued to grow during the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing a 17% market share during the first half of 2020, according to research from IRI and The Stern Center for Sustainable Business at the University of New York, published on the Food Business News.
Products marketed in sustainability experienced a 56% increase in sales during the second half of March 2020.
It means that more than half of consumers said they are buying more or as many organic products as before COVID-19, and 7 in 10 said they are buying more or as many organic products.
The Ten “Go-Green” States in the United States
As you well know, “Go Green” means seeking to understand and practice more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible lifestyles, helping protect the environment and sustain natural resources for current and future generations.
Food Business News shows us an interesting chart of the top ten states that buy and consume the most sustainable products here in the United States.
Massachusetts — where I live — is in third place, and the New England region is home to 6 of the top 10 Green States, including New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
The other states are Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, and Delaware.
It reflects a consumer sentiment that sees sustainability as multifaceted, encompassing both environmental and social factors.
Tom’s of Maine
One of the companies that have an excellent reputation related to sustainability is Tom’s of Maine. The company was founded in 1970 by Tom and Kate Chappell in Maine, United States.
Tom’s of Maine is a certified B-corporation, and this company is also very famous for the quality of products made from entirely natural ingredients.
The company’s products are intentionally manufactured without chemically derived ingredients, harmful to the environment, or tested on animals. In other words, 100% sustainable.
While most of their products are vegan, some contain propolis and beeswax.
Some characteristics of Tom’s of Maine products:
- Does not test on animals
- Sustainable practices
- No flavors, artificial fragrances
- Recycling policy for your packaging
- 5% (12 days) of employees’ time focus on volunteering
- 10% of profits go to good causes
Businesses like Toms of Maine gives you an idea of the importance of creating awareness, educating, and taking action to consume more sustainable products and support companies that have these initiatives.