Green consumption trends

Given the negative impact of climate change on health, consumers are gradually shifting towards using green, safe, natural, and environmentally friendly products from production to consumption. Currently, green consumption is not just a trend, but is gradually becoming an essential need.

Customers at Co.opmart Thanh Hoa supermarket prioritize the use of biodegradable bags.

The "green consumption" trend is being chosen by many people, from prioritizing the use of clean food with few or no preservatives, produced according to VietGAP and organic standards, to limiting the use of packaged food; saying no to or minimizing the use of products made from nylon and plastic... In the province, it is not difficult to find stores selling organic food, agricultural products, and clean fruits. Although the products are more expensive than in traditional markets, they are still preferred by consumers because of their clear origin and quality control by relevant authorities. Ms. Trinh Thi Van, owner of Trinh Van clean food store (Thanh Hoa City), said: “All the food products sold in my store are carefully selected to have clear origins and guaranteed quality. I prioritize importing agricultural products produced according to VietGAP and organic standards from cooperatives in the province. During my business operations from 2017 to the present, I have noticed a growing demand for clean and safe food, especially green vegetables and beans. Therefore, I also focus on finding additional sources of organic vegetables and fruits, and livestock raised on herbal feed.”

In line with the green consumption trend, shopping malls and supermarkets in the province have been using biodegradable bags to replace the mountains of non-biodegradable plastic bags; limiting the sale of single-use plastic products; promoting recycled, environmentally friendly products, energy-saving electrical appliances, and clothing made from natural materials; and encouraging suppliers to use environmentally friendly packaging materials, such as wrapping vegetables in banana leaves or putting eggs in bamboo baskets. Ms. Nguyen Thu Huyen, a customer at Co.opmart Thanh Hoa supermarket, said: “Understanding the harmful effects of using plastic bags, I have switched to using biodegradable bags. When I go to the supermarket, I also bring reusable cloth bags to carry my groceries. Besides that, I also prioritize buying bamboo straws, sugarcane pulp containers, and glass bottles for my family's daily use.”

With environmental protection becoming a priority, many food and beverage businesses in the province are also affected by this "wave." Most shop owners have boldly replaced plastic bags, plastic straws, and plastic cups with paper bags, paper straws, starch straws, bamboo straws, etc. Mr. Bui Duy Cuong, manager of The Uncle coffee shop (Thanh Hoa City), said: "Initially, when we used paper straws and cups and encouraged customers to bring their own reusable bags, many customers were annoyed because they were easily damaged and inconvenient. However, after explanations and persistent use, customers are now getting used to it, and more and more people are bringing glass bottles to the shop to buy drinks."

Currently, in response to the green consumption trend, localities, businesses, households, and production and trading establishments have also changed their mindset, focusing on producing products such as: bamboo straws from Vibabo Co., Ltd.; natural cleaning products from pineapple peels from Fuwa3e Biotech Co., Ltd.... Products such as bags and hats made from sedge, water hyacinth, corn, souvenirs, decorations, and household items made from bamboo, rattan, wood... are also popular with consumers and are sold at tourist destinations.

It can be affirmed that green consumption brings many benefits and will become an inevitable trend in the 4.0 era. However, the process of completely replacing conventional, environmentally polluting consumer products with "green products" still faces many difficulties, especially for people in economically underdeveloped localities. Therefore, to spread the awareness of "green living," relevant departments and units of the province need to strengthen the promotion of the green growth campaign through many specific actions; encourage the shift in consumption methods towards sustainability to protect and improve environmental quality... In addition, it is necessary to create more conditions and encourage businesses to proactively improve production processes, innovate technology, and produce environmentally friendly products; and strengthen propaganda to raise people's awareness of the meaning and importance of "green consumption" for the living environment and human health.

Text and photos: Le Ngoc

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/xu-huong-tieu-dung-xanh-220223.htm