Consumers Prefer Companies That Prioritize The Environment
The global awareness on the subject of sustainability keeps rising. With today’s consumers becoming more environmentally-conscious, it is up to the various brands and companies to meet the consumer’s demand. Why does this matter? Well, consumers all around the world are using their new preferences to alter buying trends in both big and small markets. There is sufficient evidence that indicates, for most people, sustainability is a life-threatening issue. The birth of the information age has helped the global understanding.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, 12.6 million people die as a result of environmental health factors. At least 25% of the ecological risks that result in diseases come from developing nations. Air pollution and terrible water quality lead to health issues like Typhoid and Asthma. In severe cases, they result in brain damage and death. In a recent online survey, the top-most worry for consumers worldwide is water and air pollution. However, the level of concern that matters the most to people does vary across different regions.
Due to these concerns, people all over the globe are altering their shopping patterns. Consumers now consider the environmental benefits, price and convenience when making a purchase. After all, who doesn’t want to save the world? In response to change, they seek brands and companies that echo similar sentiments.
Surprisingly, roughly 81% of people believe that companies should play an active role in improving the environment. The belief that companies should be socially responsible is a message that resonant’s among all generational groups and genders. Gen X, Gen Z and Millennial’s are active in their support for conservation, ecology and sustainability, while the much older generation is a step behind.
A significant number of people in developing nations that battle with the realities of environmental hazards; show more interests compared to people in developed countries. Also, they make up a large percentage of the emerging consumer marketplace. It’s not strange that consumers demand more from corporate entities in their quest for better solutions. As global warming becomes more prevalent, we should see a rise in activism.
Regan Leggett, the Executive Director, Thought Leadership and Foresight, Global Markets, Nielsen. He believes that the threat of urbanization, the effects of pollution, and the wealth gap between classes are some of the problems people in emerging markets deal with daily. These problems open an opportunity for companies to connect to the emerging consumer that seeks change through sustainability goals and objectives.
Sustainability plans and corporate social responsibility may look different across the globe – there is no denying that consumers are using their purchasing power to create the change they desire. Companies that want to be partners in the transformation only need look at current sales trends and make an effort to meet consumer demands. To better understand how sustainability is altering shopping trends, have a look at Nielsen’s report on Sustainable Shoppers Buy the Change They Wish to See in the World. For more information on consumer trends and sustainability goals, kindly reach out to us via our website or follow us on our social media platforms.
‣ Written by Thompson | Edited by Danny Danmole’