Sustainable Living in Canada
Effectively engaging consumers on sustainability is an ongoing challenge for companies, NGOs, and governments. Yet empowering consumers to live healthier and more sustainably remains a critical part of the transition to sustainable development and continues to offer significant rewards to those organizations that can facilitate sustainable living.
Canadian consumers are reshaping what sustainability means in everyday life. Rather than viewing it as a distant global responsibility, many now see it as a practical lifestyle choice that supports personal well-being and financial resilience. Health has become the most powerful driver of engagement, creating an opportunity for organizations to position sustainability as a pathway to smarter, healthier living rather than an obligation.
- Affordability Takes Priority – Economic pressures dominate decision-making in Canada, making sustainability secondary unless it delivers clear financial benefits.
- Concern and Action Are Decoupling – Climate concern is declining, yet Canadians continue to buy sustainable products when these choices feel practical and rewarding.
- Health Drives Engagement – Health is the strongest motivator for sustainable behaviour, with Canadians embracing choices that improve personal well-being over abstract environmental goals.
- Trust and Communication Are Weakening – Greenhushing is reducing visibility of sustainability messaging and is eroding trust, even as expectations for leadership remain high.
- Sustainability Is Becoming a Lifestyle Choice – Canadians increasingly want solutions that feel practical, rewarding, and are aligned with everyday priorities like health and affordability rather than distant global objectives.
Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR) and GlobeScan are pleased to share these insights to help organizations better understand and navigate the shifting sustainability landscape in Canada.
About the Report
The Canadian Healthy & Sustainable Living Report 2025 tracks attitudes and behaviors of Canadians across a range of issues relevant for the sustainability agenda. The research is part of GlobeScan’s annual global study across 33 markets, but this report is a joint effort between CBSR and GlobeScan focusing more deeply on the Canadian context and trends.
