Conscious consumerism is an emerging movement that encourages customers to support businesses with ethical business practices, sustainable processes and socially responsible initiatives. Not only is this good for the environment, but it can also strengthen company pride and differentiate brands in the marketplace over time.
Conscious consumers expect companies using recycled materials for packaging, sourcing products ethically or providing a percentage of profits to charities to demonstrate these initiatives and demonstrate they've taken steps to lessen environmental and social impacts. But simply listing this on their company website won't cut it; to really win over these types of customers you must demonstrate you take your sustainability efforts seriously and are actively making positive changes.
Your company should aim to become certified by organisations like the Green Business Initiative, Fair Trade Association or B-Corporations to demonstrate your company's eco-friendliness to customers. Displaying logos from these organisations on your website is one way of showing this to customers; participating in international awareness days such as World Environment Day or Plastic Free July can further showcase these credentials as an active attempt by your business to tackle climate change issues globally.
Conscious consumers strive to make educated choices and feel empowered to effect positive change in the world, driving conscious consumerism forward. Their buying power should not be underestimated; these consumers can influence business strategies, promote corporate accountability, and spur innovation.
