Research from Monash Business School’s Australian Consumer and Retail Studies latest Retail Sustainability Spotlight has found that over half of Aussie shoppers say sustainability is an important factor when making a retail purchase.
Despite the increases to our cost of living, the research confirms Australian shoppers are becoming more conscious of what they buy; voting for sustainable products, with their wallets.
“Younger consumers,18 to 34 years of age, are significantly more willing to pay for ethically produced products, as well as products made from recycled materials and packaged in recyclable materials.”
“They also take public transport, buy second-hand products, and recommend eco-friendly products to friends, family and peers more than other age groups.”
“Older Australian shoppers, aged 55 and over, tend to bring their own shopping bags to stores, recycle product waste, buy locally sourced or produced products, and compost food waste significantly more than other age groups.”
At the end of the day people have to live, if the sustainable option is too expensive people will buy what they can afford. That’s not really their fault.
I agree. Which is why government regulation is the answer. Out governments should set the bar, not push the responsibility back on to the consumer.