Why Brits Are Going Green & Shopping Local This Christmas
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that some things are more important than others. And apparently that’s even extended to our Christmas shopping, with Brits set to buy more sustainable presents for our loved ones as well as focusing our spending on shopping locally.
According to new research by sustainable sharing app OLIO, a third of us (31%) are planning to buy more eco-friendly Christmas presents for our loved ones this year.
OLIO’s survey of more than 2,000 people found that nearly two thirds of people (65%) felt they have become more aware of environmental issues as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning they’ll be looking for ‘greener’ gifts this Christmas.
As well as shopping sustainably, three-quarters of the 2,000 people polled said they’d be swerving the big online retailers and shopping local instead.
Nearly half (49%) said they felt immediately better when they shop from a local seller than when they go for one of the big boys. The majority said it was because they felt they were helping their local community (78%), while 42% said buying locally was more sustainable and helped the environment. One in five (19%) enjoyed finding out the story behind a purchase and a quarter (24%) enjoyed buying something unique.
OLIO co-founder Tessa Clarke said: “Several powerful trends have emerged from this challenging year – namely a desire to support our local community, to shop local and to live in a more planet-positive way.
“It’s clear from the research that we’re feeling more connected with our neighbours – seeking out localmakers and sellers to help them survive and even thrive in these difficult economic times.”
OLIO’s survey was conducted in conjunction with the launch of MADE, a brand new marketplace on the OLIO app which allows locals to sell handmade crafts and homemade food in their neighbouring community. The app charges no commission meaning independent makers can sell their products at affordable prices.
There are currently over 10,000 items in the MADE section, with thousands being added each week.
“OLIO’s MADE section makes being able to buy, or gift, from our neighbours the next lovely step to supporting both our communities and the planet,” added Clarke.
