From increasing calls for locally-produced goods to the unveiling of revolutionary green gadgets, sustainability is more than ever the go-to consumer trend. According to a Capstrat Public Policy survey on sustainability, 56% of consumers would opt to pay more for a product that’s environmentally friendly compared to a non-green product. Whether you are a consumer or business owner, guilt-free and eco-friendly trends are receiving an influx in attention and are likely influencing your decisions in some aspect this year. With the spring equinox in full swing, we’ve curated a list of the latest movements in green living so you can be environmentally aware while staying up-to-speed with the season.
Home & Home Design Trends:
Recycling and “upcycling” have remained evergreen in their popularity, with home décor enthusiasts repainting their old furniture with trendy, vibrant colors and upholstering with colorful fabrics for spring. Purchasing used pieces and repurposing old pieces breathes new life into them while avoiding energy waste associated with new furniture.
In addition to eco-savviness, eco-friendly trends for spring also involve aesthetics. Recycled plastic, reclaimed glass, cork and wood are perfect for reinforcing an environmentally friendly motif while adding a rustic vibe that’s suitable for the season. Also gaining momentum is the use of bamboo, which Exhibiting Green describes as the best consumable resource – it’s durable, antibacterial, antifungal and incredibly quick to grow and replace.
Cloth napkins are also making a splash in kitchen arrangements. They cut down on paper use while adding vitality and character in the home with their diverse selection of designs and colors. Rounding off the home is the rise of soy candles which are not only festive, but also less detrimental to the environment than traditional candles that release toxins.
(Course: Joclem)
Lifestyle Trends:
With Spring Break in session, people will be looking at different options for their vacations and going green will be all the rage. Although staying at luxury eco-friendly hotels or going on small, eco-friendly tours and cruises may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there are plenty of popular travel tips to stay environmentally conscious that help reduce our carbon footprints while we’re exploring the world.
In the realm of fashion and events, there are an increasing number of options for sustainably produced, socially responsible clothing in both the high-end and affordable industries. Spring fashion shows are seeing a number of earthy color designs adorned with recycled materials, locally sourced goods and minimized manufacturing procedures. Weddings are also becoming greener as we head into wedding planning season; people are forgoing printed menus and ornate flower center pieces for chalkboards, meadow flower and succulent bouquets and loose, sustainable Bohemian clothing.
(Source: Peony Events)
Industry & Business Trends:
Bio-technical innovation is in vogue for companies and businesses. These companies are taking note of the large majority of consumers who prefer to buy products that they know are recyclable, according to a global study conducted by Tetra Pak. The big trend hitting consumer products is eliminating packaging waste and instead offering biodegradable and reusable packaging. Unlike traditional Styrofoam, potato-starch packaging and other plant-based components can be placed into plants to biodegrade or even planted to grow vegetables and wildflowers. In addition, more and more companies are marketing recycling programs for their products and there is a shift from “clean” to “clear” labeling to provide consumers with more transparent claims of a product’s wholesomeness. These go in line with the new, clean and refreshed vibes that accompany spring.
(Source: BeGreen)
Transportation Trends:
Although the concept of bike sharing isn’t new, the initiative has been gaining momentum in the past year, with an estimated 600 bike-sharing schemes worldwide. Not only is it becoming more feasible and eco-conscious to ride bikes to work especially during springtime, it is also becoming more advanced – these bikes are incorporating new tech, like an on-board solar-powered dock that allows GPS tracking for convenient access of a bike in any location of a city.
Speaking of bikes, food trucks are finding competition in the recent upsurge of food bikes. Although still providing the same “hip” factor fueled by the food truck craze, these food bikes eliminate the toxic fumes and costly equipment of trucks and instead provide a more charming, eco-friendly experience with focused offerings such as ice cream, beer and artisan foods. With the warmer weather of spring kicking in, expect to see more of both bike-sharers and mobile kitchens in urban areas.
(Source: EcoWatch)
Springtime is often associated with sunshine, vibrant colors, green, nature and the idea of renewal and thus, is the perfect season for eco-friendly trends to take place. These trends show than it’s now easier than ever to go green. How are you incorporating eco-friendly trends into your lifestyle? Leave a reply and we may feature your comment in a future post!