SeasideSustainability

Whether it’s the clothes they wear, the souvenirs they buy or the accessories they use, shoppers at seaside locations are becoming more conscious about the lasting impact their purchases are having on the environment.

“When I started this company over two decades ago, socially responsible manufacturing, eco-conscious fashion, and zero-waste ideologies were not a mainstream concept,” explains Chris Anderson, founder of Nomadic State of Mind, a grassroots handmade sandal and accessories company based in Fayetteville, North Carolina. “Fashion has become more environmentally conscious, especially over the last eight years because consumers are more conscious about their purchasing — who makes it, where [it’s made] and what it is made of.”

In fact, according to a 2022 Sustainability and the Consumer Report from IRI, The NPD Group and the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business, sales of sustainably marketed products have grown 2.7 times faster than conventional products. The survey also says 93% of consumers have either increased their purchases of sustainable products or maintained their sustainable purchase habits over the past year.

“Smart businesses are now focusing on sustainability and looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact,” adds Amy Connelly, CEO and founder of Shaka Love, maker of fun and functional eco-friendly products and gifts based in Laguna Hills, California. “As more individuals become conscious of their global footprint and prioritize eco-friendly products, this market is only set to get bigger.”

And seaside retailers are stocking their shelves with more eco-friendly options, proving that selling these products is not only a feel-good business idea, but a potentially lucrative one, too.

As Connelly says, “There’s something for everyone looking to make more conscious choices.”