Congratulations! You have made it to the end of our three-part series. Yes, I see your teardrop.
In this final part, you’ll see how responsibility has become central in the consumer experience.
You can no longer ignore what responsibility means for your business.
Social Responsibility
Social responsibility has 4 key expressions: environmental, philanthropic, ethical, and economic. Here are some examples of each:
- Reducing your carbon footprint
- Using environmentally friendly packaging
- Improving recycling practices in your organization
- Composting correctly
- Increasing your charitable giving and corporate social responsibility initiatives
- Volunteering work in your local community and abroad
- Changing corporate policies to benefit our environment
- Making socially and environmentally conscious investments
- Participating in fairly sourced items
- Improving labor policies
Sustainability Has Entered the Conversation
From the Himalayas in India and the clear canals of Venice to the city skylines of California, people all over the world began to see sights that hadn’t been visible in ages. During the pandemic, stay-at-home mandates or curfews reduced the number of carbon emissions and pollution. People were positive about the impact the pandemic would have on our environment.
The beauty of it all reminded us of the importance of sustainability.
53% of consumers globally said they think the environment will get better in Q2 2020, up from 41% in Q1 2020. This was the first time we’d seen optimism increase in that magnitude. All the beauty and clean air was a ray of hope in our reality.
Consumer backlash could replace optimism as reality becomes clearer.
This is because the changes appear to be temporary. While quarantines across the globe largely cut down our carbon footprint, the outbreak also created a whole host of problems that are simmering under the surface. The production of plastics disposable has increased considerably, especially with the surge of PPE usage.
At the same time, other changes in consumer behavior during the pandemic have contributed to the waste problem. Consumers are shopping online and consuming more takeout food, both of which are still heavily reliant on overusing single-use packaging.
It seems like the pessimists were right to have fears about the looming future.
Brands should heed the warning.
In February 2020, food delivery giant JustEat partnered with sustainable packaging startup Notpla to try tree and grass pulp boxes lined with seaweed. The packaging decomposes in about 4 weeks. More brands need to follow suit.
Corporate Sustainability
It’s becoming impossible to escape sustainability.
72% of consumers across 20 countries said companies behaving sustainably was more important to them because of COVID-19 Click To TweetIn a recent survey, people expressed concerns about the following:
- Air pollution (43%)
- Increased waste due to COVID-19 (43%)
- Rising global temperatures (41%)
- Extreme weather conditions (39%)
- Overconsumption (38%)
- Plastic pollution (38%)
- Water scarcity (29%)
- Overpopulation (27%)
- Deforestation (27%)
- Habitat and Biodiversity losses (27%)
- Rising sea levels (20%)
As non-decomposable waste piles up, ocean ports are littered with plastic and natural disasters increase in intensity, consumers will not be quiet. Rather there’ll be a roar for better.
Consumers don’t want empty promises. Click To TweetConsumers want to see a commitment to change. They want to know that if they choose your service or product, they’re supporting the mission for sustainable living.
Going digital is one simple way you can cut down your carbon footprint.
The future is here.
The digital future will be rewarding to those who can take advantage of it. We empower our clients to do just that! Learn more about how we can help you.
