Coming... April 24

2024 Is The Time To Embrace Sustainability In Marketing

Over the last decade, conversations around sustainability have been increasing at an alarming rate. Consumers are becoming more aware of the harm being caused by plastic pollution and other threats to the planet.

We know and experience firsthand the global rise in temperatures that represents a significant risk to our climate, and we hear the terrifying reports about greenhouse gas emissions and rising sea levels.

Climate Change Needs Change In How We Consume

There is no escaping the news about climate change and how it is impacting us today and will have detrimental effects on future generations. 

A recent report by Save The Children revealed that

"by 2050, 24 million children are projected to be undernourished as a result of the climate crisis and by 2040, it is estimated that one in four children will be living in areas with extreme water shortages."

These worrying statistics are only the tip of the iceberg and our access to all of this information means that we are all too aware of the bleak future ahead if we don’t enact change. 

How Can We Actively Contribute To Change?

As a result, people around the world are actively looking for ways to contribute to building a brighter and more promising future. 

This is reflected in the huge shift away from harmful behaviours and towards more eco-conscious lifestyle choices, including supporting businesses that are implementing sustainable practices.

A survey published in 2023 by The Round-Up, revealed that

"84% of customers say that poor environmental practices will alienate them from a brand or company. We see evidence of this in the slow decline of fast fashion and large, unethical corporations and the growing support of smaller, independent businesses that champion sustainability."

It’s clear that sustainability matters in the context of business practices and that not meeting the expectations of the eco-conscious public could mark your downfall. 

Transparency For Brands On Their Own Sustainability 

I believe there is no more hiding behind vague statistics or misleading language. 2024 will be the year of authenticity and transparency for brands who truly want to embrace sustainability. 

The public is educating themselves and successfully calling out greenwashing, and businesses are being held to the fire when it comes to delivering on eco-credentials and corporate social responsibility - and many are not doing enough. 

Furthermore, a significant percentage of companies are now requiring their business partners to meet specific sustainability criteria, illustrating the push towards greener supply chains.

How can businesses incorporate sustainability into their marketing strategy?

 The marketing activities of a business are an important starting point when addressing sustainability. The method by which you choose to gain visibility and present yourself to the public to turn them into customers is the perfect opportunity to establish a brand image built on sustainability. 

Promotional merchandise remains one of the most popular marketing tools for all types of businesses, so it is here that you must seek the greenest options. 

By tapping into eco-friendly merchandise alternatives to the traditional plastic, single-use branded merchandise, you can align your business with sustainable practices and deliver on your corporate social responsibility. 

The investment in eco-friendly promotional gifts must not be underestimated, and the time to move away from plastic promotional products is now. 

If not for the simple fact that you will alienate a growing portion of the public and deter potential business partners from working with you by not doing so, then for the betterment of the planet. 

Look at it this way: The UN claims that:

"by 2030, business-related greenhouse gas emissions could potentially be cut globally by 3.7bn metric tons of CO2 equivalent a year. This is about 60% of the total emission cuts pledged as part of the Paris Agreement."

This highlights the significant role that businesses play in tackling climate change and that even the smallest of steps (such as adopting green merchandise) can make a difference.

I am thrilled to launch Green Earth Merch, a merchandise brand that is dedicated to providing truly sustainable promotional products for businesses. 

It will give businesses a one-stop shop for all their sustainable merchandise needs, making it easier to stay true to their green promises.

Not only do we deliver on our eco-credentials by using ethical practices and sustainable materials, but we do not compromise on quality. 

This means that businesses can create branded merchandise that delivers results and represents their company in the best light possible. 

It is an issue of great importance to me, and I am excited to provide businesses with impactful merchandise that doesn’t harm the planet. 

For brands looking for some great research articles and reports from 2023, I highly recommend

Business Sustainability Statistics By Travelperk

Sustainable Marketing Trends By Click-insights

Written By Roman Hust

Director At Merchandise Ltd

Tel: 01895 438459

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.