Top Sustainability Trends of 2020

Sustainability is a hot topic these days. From sustainable clothing to living sustainably, many people are more interested in taking care of the environment and producing goods that do minimal damage. Because of this, there are some trends that we are seeing in the world of sustainability. Here are a few of those.

Sustainable Finance

Sustainable finance is used for financing sustainable businesses and expansion with many businesses and corporations now taking this approach. Building better water supplies, renewable energy resources, and expanding recycling services are all helpful for the environment and businesses are now expected to have procedures such as this in place.

In addition, more people are securing loans for sustainable living as well. While businesses are financing sustainability, consumers also want to do their part and are moving to more rural areas, driving electric vehicles, and harvesting crops for personal consumption. Farmer’s markets and small farms are seeing a rise in business as well, as consumers drop energy-sucking businesses and begin grassroots attempts at financing the little guys. Buying local very much on trend right now.

Businesses Addressing Climate Change

In addition to investing in sustainable products and financing them, businesses are beginning to consider their own carbon footprint. They are replanting trees where possible, discouraging disposable products, and minimizing their damage to local environments – recycling equipment and reusing parts where possible will become more commonplace as we continue to strive for sustainability. Many companies have already begun recycling programs that request used products to be brought back to be broken down and reused.

Some companies are also looking at fewer product upgrades for more long-term use. Additionally, some estimates say that keeping an old computer can cost less in energy than recycling it. So many of the products we use today are meant to be used for such a short time and replaced, that consumers will begin demanding that new goods being produced are higher quality with upgrade capabilities.

Circular Economy

This trend is becoming much more prevalent in Asian markets, but it is moving toward Western cultures. A Circular Economy is one in which products can be entirely recycled and reused. This move away from waste is where the previous concepts become even more critical. Businesses are addressing their role in climate change, financing sustainability, and cutting down on single-use products. Even computer parts are being recycled. Electronics recycling centers, composting, and reusing materials is more important than ever for consumers, and business owners and corporations see this. They are now encouraging these centers and behaviors by sponsoring the recycling of materials and using only recycled materials.

Plastic-Free

Plastics are the least environmentally friendly products right now. Plastic is one of the most substantial materials in our landfills. Businesses and consumers are moving toward more reusable plastics, but they are also demanding fewer products be made from plastic. Consumers have been moving toward more reusable products such as shopping bags, storage bags, and food storage solutions. Rather than disposable products, consumers are demanding reusable products, and the boost of activity in the market for these reusable products shows that businesses are listening. Plastic-free is not the only trend here, either. Cloth reusables rather than paper products are also becoming more popular. Consumers want to create a safer, cleaner world, and the corporate response has been mostly positive.

Electric Vehicles

Tesla is probably the biggest name in electric vehicles right now. Gas stations providing electric “refueling” are becoming more common. Many urban areas have resources for electric vehicles and alternative fuels. Electric vehicles have been the subject of university research since the combustible engine was introduced. As companies like Tesla perfect the technology, and it becomes more cost-efficient, people become more likely to purchase alternative/safer fueling vehicles. Since eco fuel has become popular, more consumers have begun demanding sustainable resources. Wind farms, solar farms, and hydroelectric plants have become frontrunners for providing the energy required to fuel these vehicles.

Sustainable Clothing

Even clothing is now being produced in a more sustainable manner. Manufacturers are encouraged to recycle water supplies similar to the way car washes often do. The dyes and threads are also being produced with natural materials. Recycling of clothing and using renewable materials to produce clothing has been on the rise as well.

Final Thoughts

These trends are not all new. Some of them have been rising for a while. As consumer consciences continue to grow, businesses will have to meet those demands. Gone are the days of wanton abuse of resources and wastefulness. Corporations will be held responsible for their actions, including human rights violations. Sustainability is about more than just the environment. Consumers want sustainable lives and want to reduce as much waste as possible in the home. They want to be able to trust the people they are doing business with and will continue demanding transparency. Businesses and corporations that have been dishonest will see a dive in their sustainability in future markets. These trends will continue to drive markets around the world.