With every passing month, it seems as if sustainability and eco-awareness continue to grow. From transparency in net-zero pledges to crackdowns on illegal fishing, the seven sustainability-shaping trends below are expected to help shift the tide in the planet’s favor in 2022 and beyond.
Illegal Fishing Crackdown
The fishing industry has been in the spotlight for several years now with serious concerns about overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices. While many nations have laws in place designed to protect against overfishing, it’s hard to apply these laws in international waters. As such, talks and delegations between nations are expected to continue through the summer. The goal is to ensure that the fishing industry remains healthy for centuries to come.
Companies Meeting Consumer Demand for Eco-Friendly Products
Consumers are gravitating toward products that are good for the environment, whether that means they are plastic-free, made from recycled materials, reusable, or any other manner of earth-friendly goodness. As such, companies that want to remain relevant during this earth-conscious shift have begun offering all kinds of innovative products. Things like bamboo toothbrushes and laundry detergent sheets are just the beginning.
Net-Zero Data Disclosure
Companies claim to be net-zero when the emissions resulting from the manufacturing of their products have been offset in some other way, thereby resulting in “net-zero” emissions. More companies than ever before are making these claims, but there’s no way to know if they’re being completely truthful. In summer 2022, new regulations may require these net-zero emissions claims to be backed up with proof – and that means transparency for the consumers, which is always a good thing.
Nuclear Power & Natural Gas Poised for Comeback
Coal-fired power plants are slowly being phased out around the country, and while solar and wind power are the most ideal alternatives, it will take some time before our nation has the infrastructure in place to make it feasible. Until then, natural gas and nuclear power are slated to make a comeback in the coming years, but they’ll be much safer than they have been in the past. Nuclear technologies have improved dramatically, and new means for extracting natural gas have limited the need for potentially harmful fracking.
Expansions in Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles will continue to grow in popularity throughout summer 2022, as well. With gas prices at an all-time high across the nation, people are looking for more affordable and practical alternatives for their daily commutes and other transportation needs. Much of the focus will be on the EV charging infrastructure and how it can be set up to meet the increasing demand.
Summer 2022 will be an exciting time for Planet Earth. Safer and more affordable energy is an absolute necessity, and as consumer demand for eco-friendly goods continues to increase, companies in every industry and niche are looking for new and innovative ways to meet it. It’s a win-win for Mother Nature.
