The health and wellness industry is booming and consumers are spending big on products that improve their health, fitness, nutrition, appearance, sleep, and mindfulness. As consumer preferences change, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable shopping. Australians are becoming more conscious of their purchasing habits and are putting a higher priority on buying products that have a positive impact on the environment. Research conducted by Forbes has shown that consumers across all generations—from Baby Boomers to Gen Z—are now willing to spend more on sustainable products.
According to Emma Li from Australian health science company EZZ, the heath and wellness industry is seeing a rise in demand for sustainable products amongst its consumers. “People are no longer just grabbing a product because they like it – they are also delving into the environmental impact of the products they consume and making more ethical choices,” says Li.
THE RISE OF SUSTAINABILITY IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Health and wellness is a lifestyle choice, just like taking action on climate change. Sustainability encompasses all aspects of life, especially in terms of what we consume. As a result, industries are developing more sophisticated systems in their products to accommodate this trend.
Here, Li explores the five key ways in which sustainability is dominating the health and wellness industry, and what shoppers can look out for to make more sustainable choices:
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
Consumers are increasingly paying more attention to not only what’s in a product, but also how the product is packaged. It is common for companies to package their products in plastic containers, which are usually recyclable – but this is not always the case. From production to disposal, packaging consumes resources and contributes to waste. Choosing eco-friendly packaging options, such as those made from recycled materials or biodegradable substances, helps reduce the impact on the planet and supports a more sustainable future. When recycling, always check your community recycling guidelines to ensure any recyclables are the correct size and material so they don’t contaminate the load.
ETHICAL PRODUCTS
Australians are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental footprint they leave behind, leading to a growing demand for ethically sourced products. Ethically sourced products not only benefit the people involved in their production, but they also have a positive impact on the environment. By ensuring fair wages and working conditions, and by using sustainable materials and practices, these products reduce the negative impact that traditional production methods can have on the planet. Additionally, ethical sourcing can help to preserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems, as well as reducing waste and pollution.
NATURAL FRAGRANCES
Consumers are also increasingly looking to products that contain natural fragrances. Natural fragrances are derived from plants, flowers, and other natural sources, and are free of synthetic chemicals that can harm the environment and people’s health. These fragrances are also biodegradable, which means that they break down naturally and don’t contribute to pollution or harm ecosystems. Aromatherapy has a long history of benefits, and pure botanical-based fragrances really do have mood-boosting benefits that can help us navigate through the good, the bad and everything in between.
PREVENTION OVER CURE
The health and wellness industry is shifting its focus from reactive treatments to proactive prevention. This shift has sparked interest in functional products that address potential problems, even in individuals who don’t currently have them. By embracing a preventive approach, we decrease the need for resources and minimise waste associated with treatments. This leads to a reduction in the use of harmful chemicals and waste in the environment, while also conserving resources.
People are becoming more aware of the role that digestive health plays in overall health. People are turning to products like EZZ’S Apple Cider Vinegar to prevent digestive issues and the flow-on effects that can occur. Apple Cider Vinegar is known to kill bacteria within the body, while aiding in weight loss.
CLEAN CLEANING
If you haven’t swapped out those chemical-ridden cleaning products under your sink yet, what are you waiting for? The demand for eco-friendly cleaning products is skyrocketing. Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and human health. In contrast, clean cleaning products use natural and eco-friendly ingredients that are biodegradable and non-toxic. This helps to reduce the amount of harmful waste and pollution that is released into the environment. Clean cleaning also supports sustainable agriculture by using ingredients that are grown and produced in an environmentally responsible manner.
By being mindful of these practices when making purchases, you can contribute to creating a more environmentally friendly planet.
Text by: EZZ
