Going Carbon Neutral is fast becoming the next big trend in retail and business at large. Sustainability has moved into the mainstream in recent years with companies and consumers becoming more aware of their consumption and the impact they have on our planet. Shoppers are favouring businesses that are reducing their use of plastics and those that are being responsible with sourcing their products. All of this is driving one of the largest and potentially longest running trends in retail: carbon neutrality.
The majority of the world’s scientists agree that excess CO2 is fuelling climate change and that this needs to be dealt with immediately. Ultimately we need a balance between greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out. Something that is often referred to as ‘net zero’. In June 2019 the UK passed legislation requiring the government to reduce the UK’s net emissions of greenhouse gases by 100% relative to 1990 levels by 2050. Doing so would make the UK a ‘net zero’ emitter.
In a similar way, Carbon Neutral and Climate Positive companies are analysing the CO2 footprints their products produce and then investing in climate protection projects to help reduce carbon emissions. This is an important global shift towards minimising climate change and its harmful effects for life on earth. Sustainable retailers who stock their products are an important part of this change.
Our new carbon neutral Bioloco Plant products are a great example of carbon neutral and climate positive products that help to reduce their impact on the planet. They have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared with traditional plastics like Polycarbonate (up to 90% less) so emissions are greatly reduced by the choice of materials. They are also made from corn sugars that can no longer be used as food and are free from genetically modified organisms, so their source is sustainable. They are melamine and BPA free as well as microwave and dishwasher safe. They are also recyclable and industrially compostable. Finally, any carbon produced in their production and distribution is offset by investment in carbon reducing projects making them Carbon Neutral (Climate Positive when they are more than offset).
These types of products are ideal for ethically minded consumers who want to do the right thing with their purchasing. Statistics show this to be a significant and fast growing percentage of shoppers in the UK. Retail experts agree, with our Bioloco Plant Kids Cup recently being judged as the Best Ethical Gift Award at Gift of the Year 2021 for its outstanding environmental credentials.
In fact, Blue Eyed Sun’s eco-friendly giftware products picked up a total of five awards at Gift of the Year Awards 2021. The new Bioloco Plant LunchPot won the Best Kitchen & Dining Award. The bespoke reusable BambooCup we created for the Queen’s shop at Balmoral won Best Own Label. The ever popular Bioloco Loop range of reusable flasks won Best Contemporary Gift and the inaugural People’s Choice Award (voted for by the public). Our new Bamboo Napkins and new Organic Cotton Tea Towels were also shortlisted for awards.
As our new giftware ranges are now produced in a Carbon Neutral or Climate Positive way, these awards are a clear message that buyers (and consumers) want to purchase beautiful products that are doing the right thing for our planet. If you are not stocking giftware that is making a difference like this, perhaps it’s time to rethink your offering and get on trend.
To find out more about Blue Eyed Sun’s eco-friendly gifts visit www.blueeyedsun.co.uk
If you’d like to buy one of our products please visit our consumer website at: www.greenmagpie.net
The Rise of the Ethical Consumer
