Consumers are increasingly turning to environmental and social good as a leading motive for their purchasing decisions. A 2016 global study of 20,000 adults by Unilever found that a third of consumers buy from brands that make a social and environmental impact a top priority in their business. Research from the consumer goods company further discovered that 78 percent of shoppers in the U.S. feel better when they buy sustainably produced products. Here are top brands, from automobile manufacturing to fashion, with sustainability efforts that can help you as a consumer play a part in protecting the planet.
Chrysler
The Chrysler Pacifica is the ideal vehicle for caravanning the whole family, meaning fewer vehicles and less trips you have to take. It features Stow N’ Go seats, an updated Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine and Uconnect Theater system. Motor Trend highlights the 2017 Platinum-trimmed 2017 Pacifica plug-in eHybrid for drivers who want to make their travels greener by taking an eco-friendly vehicle with admirable performance and excellent fuel economy to the road. Features like a total system output of 260 hp, two electric motors and 16-kWh battery that powers 33 miles of electric-only driving make this hybrid Pacifica shine on the highway while being easy on the planet.
Patagonia
Patagonia ranks highly on lists of top brands lauded for their environmental and social responsibility. The outdoors clothing company carries out its mission of designing products for simplicity, utility and ultimate eco-health. Fighting to save beauty in the wild, Patagonia donates at least 1 percent of sales to worldwide grassroots environmental groups, along with using recycled polyester and organic cotton to reduce pollution and environmental harm.
Keurig Green Mountain
Going green continues to be a progressive endeavor for a brand criticized for how their K-Cup pods are disposed. Yet, Keurig Green Mountain has made great strides in its earth-friendly pursuits. Its brewing system saves more water compared to traditional coffee makers by brewing coffee with individual cups. Also, three out of four pod types can be recycled and customers can mail pods back to receive a discount as part of the Keurig Recycling program.
Burt’s Bees
This natural skin care company has been celebrated for its commitment to natural materials, 99 percent natural formulas and Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) packaging. Along with free-trade and fair working conditions, the company aims to become a carbon-free company operating solely on renewable energy.
IKEA
Homeowners can shop at IKEA to not only save on home furnishings, but also make their homes more eco-friendly. IKEA’s IWAY (The IKEA Way on Purchasing Home Furnishing Products) serves as its code of conduct identifying requirements regarding environmental protection. IKEA’s Responsibility Beyond Home Furnishing further shares the company’s vision, which includes taking better care of the environment and earth’s resources. See IKEA’s “Never Ending List” of environmentally friendly improvements.
New Balance
The fitness brand’s commitment to “move the world around us” includes “moving the environment forward.” With a belief to tread lightly on limited resources, New Balance continues to improve its environmental consciousness with these practices: eco-focused education, life cycle analysis, use of its environmentally preferred materials (EPM) tool during design, control of hazardous substances, waste reduction and use of EMPs for packaging.
H&M
Style. Sustainability. Saving the planet. H&M is among well-known fashion brands that are making the world a better, greener place. H&M’s sustainability work — centered on the idea to look good, do good, feel good — featured its October 2017 Close the Loop collection of consciously made denim items. H&M’s “take-back” clean-up program also supports its green initiatives by encouraging customers to donate unwanted garments at stores to be recycled. More can be found about the company’s sustainability strategy in its Sustainability Report 2016.
These brands are among many pursuing a mission to reduce their carbon footprint while producing high-quality, yet green-friendly products/services, from manufacturing to delivery. Researching companies committed to sustainable practices and becoming a loyal customer to those brands is one of the many ways you can be a part of the go green movement.
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