UK Sustainability Achievements

UK Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho spoke at the Innovation Zero Conference in London in May 2024 about climate change progress, expressing her pride in the UK being the first of the top 20 largest nations to halve its emissions since 1990 while growing the economy by 80%. That's a notable achievement, but not one earned without facing challenges. 

A study by SAP reveals that only 40% of the UK's business leaders feel motivated to act on their sustainability promises, whereas 28% struggle to remain profitable and sustainable simultaneously. 

Nonetheless, the UK is battling these roadblocks and continuing to maintain its position in sustainability.

This article will recognise the UK's sustainability achievements in 2024 and explain how more businesses can "do their bit" to contribute to a greener planet.

Limiting Plastic Usage

According to Business Waste, about 2 million tonnes of packaging waste is plastic. Since plastic is nonbiodegradable, it can accumulate in the environment for over 1000 years, posing a serious threat to marine life, groundwater, and soil. 

As an attempt to encourage companies to reduce the use of plastic in packaging, the UK Government introduced a Plastic Packaging Tax in April 2022. Under the rule, businesses that use plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled materials are liable to pay an extra amount. 

The tax amount was set at £200 per tonne in April 2022 but has now increased to £217.85 per tonne in 2024. 

Since the amount can add up for businesses, it incentivises them to switch to more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options.

Eco Origin, eco-friendly brand of self care products in the UK, uses non-plastic materials like bamboo and kraft paper to package their products, like cotton ear buds, huskee cups, and disposable razors. In addition to being biodegradable, these materials are also compostable and can be reused or recycled.

Rise in Eco-Friendly Brands

The UK Government isn't the only body working toward a better future - the British public is just as active. A recent study by NielsenIQ revealed that 61% of the UK consumers expressed that sustainability mattered more to them in 2023 than it did in 2021. It's because climate change news is on air almost all the time and about 47% of the 61% mentioned earlier faced (or feared to face) health complications owing to pollution. 

As a result, people are calling out for companies to take the required measures to control their environmental footprint. Statista also shows that about 20% of the surveyed individuals in the United Kingdom mentioned how their purchasing behaviour had taken a significant sustainable turn over the past five years.

The shift in consumer buying behaviour is ushering in the way for sustainable brands in the UK, which is why companies like Eco Origin, with its 'greener' day-to-day essentials like bamboo toothbrushes, reusable cotton pads for face, and natural deodorants, are becoming increasingly popular among eco-conscious buyers.

Businesses Adapting to Carbon Neutrality

The UK has set a target to become a net-zero emitter of greenhouses gases by 2050 for climate change progress. Since the target is unachievable without the help of industrial and commercial sectors, businesses are taking interests in carbon neutrality. 

What is carbon neutrality?

It's an environmental-ideal state where a company (or any entity) doesn't emit any carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. For businesses, this means, investing in renewable energy production and reforestation. If we look at the numbers, 41.5% of the UK's energy comes from renewable sources as of now. Considering that sustainability continues to be a topical issue in boardrooms, it is highly likely that the government will achieve its goal by 2050.

A few big names leading by example here are Google, M&S, and Microsoft.

Introduction of Sustainability Apps

Interestingly, technology is advancing in sustainability, too. There are a few apps that help Britons care for the environment while improving their lifestyles. These apps, if made proper use of, are also a great way to promote a business as environmentally-friendly. 

Since we at Eco Origin are committed to contributing to a greener planet for climate change progress, we've listed two apps for you below:

Good on You: A fashion sustainability app that helps consumers shop ethically. It rates popular fashion brands based on their impact on people, the planet, and animals. It also suggests more sustainable alternatives.

GoEthical: It's a marketplace app that brings buyers and sellers who focus on ethical and sustainable products together. Users can shop for eco-friendly items or register as a seller to promote their own products.

Eco Origin - Your Best Eco-Friendly Brand for Day-to-Day Essentials

Did you know that households alone produce 26 million tonnes of waste per year? As for industrial waste, it hits 41.1 million tonnes. This is why even the smallest step toward sustainability matters.

Eco Origin recognises this fact, and we are determined to create a new way of living where people are mindful of their impact on the environment. By providing eco-friendly alternatives for everyday essentials, we strive to make sustainable living accessible and affordable for all.

Whether you're looking for reusable cotton pads for face or dermaplaning razors for your eyebrows, we have something that'll bring you a step closer to reduced carbon footprint. We also offer bulk options, to encourage businesses to join us in our mission to create a greener planet. Trust us, the prices are unbelievably good.