Sustainability and climate change has dominated public interests for some time now.
The very public emergence of the Nobel Peace Prize nominated Greta Thunberg has helped to inspire a generation who care passionately about global warming, to add weight to an already significantly growing movement of environmentally conscious baby boomers and millennial’s.
Now more than ever, consumers are demonstrating their environmental concerns with their hard earned cash and gravitating towards ethical, eco-friendly and sustainable brands and products.
In a recent industry report from Shoppercentric, an independent shopper research consultancy, 80% of those surveyed described themselves as ‘environmentally friendly’ and 82% claimed to consider environmentally friendly labelling within their purchase decisions. To further compound the point, 59% claimed to actively avoid certain types of packaging. What’s clear from the research is that this isn’t a fad or a phase, the public’s concern for the long term future of the planet is here to stay.
Many brands, TOMS and Lush Cosmetics immediately spring to mind, have been committed to sustainability for some time now and continue to work with not-for-profit organisations to strive for a greener planet. With so many brands however waving the eco-friendly flag, it can sometimes be difficult for your brand/message and products to stand out and attract new customers or members.
In the current climate, referrals and ‘word of mouth’ are as important as they ever have been to grow your eco-friendly business or membership organisation. For one, recommending a business that is ethical and conscious of its impact on the planet makes us look and feel good. That is the power of social capital, especially in a world dominated by social media where promoting the best possible image of ourselves is paramount. Aside from the fact that many of us are genuinely passionate about climate change, being able to share our knowledge and recommend sustainable brands online is a hugely effective method of driving positive change.
Sometimes, given the global coverage the subject receives, it can feel difficult to make a difference when there is so much work to be done. Being able to shop sustainably and spending our cash with environmentally friendly brands allows consumers to feel they are making a tangible difference in their day to day lives, one small purchase or donation at a time. And if they can raise awareness by recommending to a friend, even better.
There are now a large number of businesses across multiple industries who are striving to do better and be more sustainable. There is no doubt that sea change has been driven by an increasing appetite for a more sustainable society.
With the constant, positive changes in the direct mail industry, it no longer needs to be seen as a process that is less environmentally friendly than other channels.
Paper mills and suppliers are working hard to offer ‘greener’ alternatives to the stocks used in the days when the issue was less prevalent, and printers and agencies alike are at the forefront of finding ways and means to communicate with as little impact on the environment as possible. This, coupled with unrivalled response rates in comparison to other marketing means, should make Direct Mail a key ingredient in your marketing mix for 2020.
Thanks for taking the time to read this piece on storytelling marketing. If you need any further info or would like to talk to us about your mailing campaigns, feel free to contact us on our office number: 01189 474 888 or alternatively, email us at enquiries@heraldchase.com
