And how brands can help break the disastrous cycle. The culture of unconscious consumption may finally be shifting. Conversations around sustainability have become mainstream, forcing retailers across categories to rethink their approaches to sustainability. The recent GlobeScan Healthy & Sustainable Living report finds there is strong interest in sustainable shopping, particularly among Gen Z consumers. When compared to baby boomers plus, Gen Z in the U.S. is significantly more interested in buying products secondhand (71% versus 34%), bringing their own … “Inside Gen Z’s Conflicting Passions for Both Sustainability and Shopping”
As South Africans continue to experience frequent power outages, over three-quarters of South Africans (77%) believe the use of renewable energy will probably or definitely become widespread in the next decade. The energy crisis in South Africa has resulted from aging power infrastructure, mismanagement of the state-owned electricity company, and a lack of investment in new power generation capacity. However, most South Africans are optimistic that the country can soon turn to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. … “Insight of the Week: 77% of South Africans Believe Renewable Energy Use Will Be More Common in the Next Decade”
Across the 31 countries surveyed, nearly half of people (47%) at least somewhat agree that environmental problems are negatively affecting their health. People in the Global South are experiencing the highest rates of negative health impacts from environmental issues, particularly in Egypt and India where air pollution is often severe in urban areas. Globally, people living in cities and those under 30 years old are particularly likely to “strongly agree” that their health has been negatively affected by environmental issues. … “Insight of the Week: People in Egypt and India Report Highest Rates of Negative Health Impacts from Environmental Issues”
Consumers in the African, Middle Eastern, and Latin American markets surveyed are significantly more likely than those in Europe and North America to say that social media influences them to become more environmentally friendly. Looking at age groups, the younger people are, the more likely they are to claim that social media influences their behavior in this area. Note for country list: Africa / Middle East markets include Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa; Latin America markets include Argentina, Brazil, … “Insight of the Week: Social Media Is More Likely to Influence Consumers in Emerging Markets to Live Sustainably”
Around the world, younger generations are much more likely than older ones to feel guilty about their negative impact on the environment. This highlights a significant generational gap among consumers and suggests that younger and rising generations may have higher expectations of brands to help reduce impacts on the environment. Source: GlobeScan Healthy & Sustainable Living Consumer Research (survey of 29,293 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
Most of us are aware of the term “greenwashing,” i.e., the process of conveying a false impression or giving misleading information about the environmental credentials of a company’s products or services. It remains an all-too-common practice in markets everywhere, as executives use sustainability initiatives to project confidence, boost followership, and gain a commercial edge. However, failing to be upfront and transparent or making unsubstantiated claims is becoming increasingly risky for companies. The likes of Hyundai, Shell, Innocent Drinks, and Oatly … “Are Your Customers Worried about Greenwashing?”
People are increasingly feeling personally affected by climate change and many are connecting the dots between climate change and rising food prices, according to the latest GlobeScan Healthy & Sustainable Living (HSL) Global Consumer Insights study. Food prices had been steadily rising long before the Russian invasion of Ukraine put pressure on imports of food staples like cereals, wheat, and oilseed. The 2019 outbreak of swine fever in China saw a huge jump in inflation. A year later, COVID-19 caused … “People Are Experiencing the Impact of Climate Change through Higher Food Prices”
One of the most challenging aspects of sustainability continues to be how to best engage and mobilize consumers in sustainable living. Watch recordings from our recent regional webinars to explore findings from the Healthy & Sustainable Living 2022 research study, a program to help organizations engage consumers on wellness and sustainability issues and enable healthy and sustainable lifestyles. Our annual survey of almost 30,000 people across 31 markets helps brands understand shifting preferences and behaviors related to healthy and sustainable living, … “Webinar Series | Healthy & Sustainable Living 2022: Engaging Consumers in Sustainability”
Among those who have seen sustainability messaging from brands, strong majorities across the world trust their sustainability marketing communications. While there are valid criticisms of greenwashing by policy makers and NGOs, consumers broadly continue to trust sustainability messaging. Source: GlobeScan Healthy & Sustainable Living Consumer Research (survey of 29,293 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
Insight of the Week: Younger Consumers Are More Likely to Recall Brand Sustainability Communications
People under 30 are much more likely than older consumers to recall brand communications on the environment. Younger generations are more receptive to messages from companies than older consumers. As expectations evolve, brands need to understand the expectations of Gen Z and Millennials. Source: GlobeScan Healthy & Sustainable Living Consumer Research (survey of 29,293 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)