With Earth Day taking place this Saturday, there’s still a lot retailers and brands can do to make their operations more climate friendly. And it’s not just because it’s the right thing to do – consumers are increasingly more likely to shop with brands that are sustainable and actively seek out greener alternatives.
eBay have published stats on how recommerce on the marketplace has in 2022 avoided 20 million kg of waste through eBay buyers shopping preloved and refurbished on eBay with 400,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions avoided.
Amazon have given 6 practical tips for Amazon shoppers to explore and establish new habits, saying that that every small, individual action helps make a difference.
Dan Edelman, Vice President & UK General Manager, Merchant Services at American Express:
Against a backdrop of growing consumer demand for meaningful action on climate issues this Earth Day, younger shoppers are prioritising their spend with purpose-driven brands.
Our recent research found that 18-24-year-olds were nearly four times more likely than older shoppers to only shop with brands that offer sustainable delivery options.
The rise of ‘pre-loved’ also supports this movement; a quarter of 25–34-year-olds now shop second hand more often as they seek out greener alternatives, according to our research. More than ever, retailers must prove their commitment to sustainability through action not just words. Those that can demonstrate and effectively communicate how they are reducing their environmental impact hold greater appeal to shoppers.
Heidi Karlsson, Director, Open Footprint Forum at The Open Group
The effects of climate change are intensifying, pressure from customers and regulators is continuing to increase and with COP27 around the corner, it’s essential for businesses to bring their environmental impact into focus, and start taking action.
As businesses embrace more digital transformation, they have the opportunity to introduce innovative solutions so they can address the impact they are having on the climate. Yes, many organizations do now have some level of in-house environmental tracking, and are building carbon measurement into their systems to monitor productivity, logistics and service usage, for example. However, a lack of industry standards for recording and processing environmental footprint data presents a risk to the progress organizations can make in reducing emissions.
Businesses need an overarching strategy to reduce their carbon footprint, and the environmental impact of the business as a whole. By making decisions holistically and embracing digital transformation, businesses can operationalize sustainability.
