With Earth Day right around the corner, now is the time to take a step back and reevaluate the impact companies and consumers are having on the environment. According to a sustainability report put out by Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, 90% of consumers feel that companies and brands have a responsibility to take care of the planet and its people.

While consumers may not follow a fully sustainable lifestyle themselves yet, they do have strong opinions on the matter and are pushing for change. In the same report, 77% of consumers believe that products with a negative environmental impact should cost more, 91% of consumers want companies and brands to be fined if they pollute the environment, and 92% say sustainable business practices should be the standard.

Brands and consumers can have a positive impact on the environment. The beauty industry has been making efforts over the years to cut down on the role they play in pollution, with a ban on microplastics and a larger investment in the organic market. The industry continues to cut down on the non-recyclable packaging it produces. Out of the packaging that is recyclable, many consumers don’t recycle bathroom products because they find it inconvenient. The effort to make a difference and pave the way for change is a two way street between both brands and consumers.

Brands Doing Their Part

Many small and big beauty brands alike are doing their part to have a positive impact on the environment. Many recognizable names are implementing or promising to change the materials they are using, like plastic, to more reusable, refillable, recyclable, or compostable options. Do not expect to see these changes happen overnight but rather gradually as it is a slow and steady transition.

Some brands have teamed up with companies to offer easy and free recycling options for consumers. Consumers can send in their empty product packaging to have it made into new items or to keep it out of landfills. Brands are also looking at refillable options for their products, whether that be using glass or metal for their product packaging for shampoos, conditioners, and other personal care items as a way to meet consumers’ demands for more sustainable options.

Being Creative With Materials

As brands are moving toward a “greener” approach to product packaging, new materials are gaining traction in the industry. Companies are electing to use bamboo in powdered cosmetics like blush and eyeshadow palettes along with the handles of beauty tools like hairbrushes, combs, cosmetic brushes, and more. Bamboo is a great option to use as it's biodegradable, compostable, super versatile, and is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet. Glass and metal are truly recyclable, refillable, reusable, also making them great options to look for in products. Another option that brands are using is biodegradable paper for boxes and packaging.

Consumers Doing Their Part and Research

With brands making all of these changes to meet the demands, consumers must do their part. It is not enough to have a sustainable mindset. Living up to the high standards they expect from companies means taking the few extra steps to recycle beauty products or taking part in the recycling programs brands have set up to keep the impact we have on the environment low. More times than not, consumers need to research before they make a purchase, whether that be reading reviews, watching videos, or asking friends.

Check on the environmental impact of the brands and make sure that views align. Look for information on how they're getting and using ingredients, whether they're using sustainable or recycled packaging, and what their plan is for the future. Many brands are working to reduce their carbon footprint or have a plan in place to reduce it and consumers do not even realize it.

Businesses Lending a Helping Hand

As more consumers are looking for environmentally friendly products, businesses shouldn’t assume that their guests know what items fit this category. Instead, point out and advertise which brands are using environmentally friendly packaging and ingredients. Create end caps, displays, or designated sections in stores to highlight these items. In the end, it will help not only the brands but also your business in attracting loyal consumers of all ages who are searching for these products.

Visit Nectar to research products and brands that are making a positive impact on the environment and remember less is more when it comes to ingredients and packaging.