The call comes as new research shows that the vast majority (89%) of Irish people believe buying local products can help the environment, while 77 per cent of Irish shoppers feel it is important to buy sustainable products. 

Over the past 12 months, shoppers say they have actively increased their efforts reduce their impact on the environment with three-quarters of people recycling more (76%), 69% reducing their use of single use plastic and 68% reducing waste in their household. Some 84% believe it is important to buy products that are in sustainable packaging.

The new research highlighted that three-quarters of people (76 per cent) prefer to buy more sustainable products whenever possible. More than two-thirds (69%) say they have made a more conscious decision to buy more sustainable products over the last 12 months.

Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of Irish shoppers have bought more locally produced goods in the past 12 months. Buying Irish products is not just important for the local economy, it is also positive for the environment. Some 89 per cent of people believe buying local helps the environment, while more than half of shoppers say that low food miles are an important consideration when doing their shopping (58%). 

When asked what environmentally sustainable actions by business they value, one-third of respondents said waste reduction (33%), a quarter said using sustainable packaging, 14 per cent said reducing carbon footprint, while more than one in ten (13 per cent) said protecting and supporting biodiversity.

Ray Kelly, Marketing Director, Musgrave Retail Partners said: “It is heartening to see the importance Irish people place on shopping in a sustainable way. At SuperValu, we have been investing time, resources and finances into becoming a more sustainable business. We’ve operated a zero food waste to landfill policy for over 15 years, we have recycling rates of 97% and over 90% of the plastic packaging for our own brand products is now recyclable. 

“While we still have work to do in this area, another key focus of ours is in supporting and developing sustainable Irish producers. The survey findings prove that shoppers are making conscious decisions to shop sustainably and view Irish and local products as the most environmentally-friendly.

“At SuperValu we are committed to providing our customers with more sustainable choices. We recently launched the Taste of Local initiative, which showcases hundreds of small Irish food and drink producers in stores across the country, while SuperValu’s Food Academy programme for early-stage food and drink producers supports 320 Irish food and drink producers, 52 weeks of the year.”

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Minimal waste store reuzi, which has a pop-up location in Joyce’s Knocknacarra, provides eco-friendly and sustainable products from reusable bottles and kitchenware to toiletries and homewares. Pat Kane, founder and MD of reuzi, has shared some top tips for making small changes to reduce your environmental impact at home.

According to Pat, when it comes to your home, small changes can add up. But consumers should not feel pressured to overhaul everything at once.

Pat says: “Start with simple tweaks like switching to energy-saving light bulbs or using a tap filter instead of buying bottled water; observing your consumption habits; and being conscious about how you dispose of goods, from pillows to batteries and beyond.”

Eco-friendly suggestions include:

1. Try to be more energy savvy: By using less energy, you can help to reduce your carbon emissions. Try switching off standby appliances and device chargers, turning your heating down and hanging clothes to dry instead of using a dryer.
2. Be more water wise: You can make a huge impact by reducing your water usage, taking shorter showers or fixing any leaky pipes around the house.
3. Learn your local recycling and composting rules: When it comes to recycling, the rule is relatively clear: You can recycle paper and cardboard, soft and rigid plastics, tins and cans – always clean, dry and loose. Composting can be a bit more confusing, so reach out to your local waste collector to find out exactly what they accept.

Lilly’s Eco Clean is an Irish manufacturer of a range of natural household cleaning products benefitting our health, home and planet. Available in store at Joyce’s, Lilly’s Eco Clean products use plant and mineral-based ingredients and soaps, vinegar and essential oils. The products have been packed in 100% recycled bottles for over a decade.

Titta Jones at Lilly’s Eco Clean says: “Natural cleaning products provide an optimum way to clean in a new, non-toxic way. Many people opt for conventional cleaners, due to a lack of availability or knowledge about effective natural alternatives. But it is easier than people may think to find suitable alternatives to everyday cleaning products. Lilly’s is a long-established and trusted sustainable Irish brand.”

Lilly’s Eco Clean is based in Carna, Co.Galway. The product range includes nine liquid products ranging from Washing Up Liquid with lemon oil, All Purpose Spray with Citrus Oil Blend to Non-Bio Laundry Liquid and Fabric Softener with Orange Blossom and Chamomile. The brand was the was third biggest selling washing up liquid in 2021.

Aisling Joyce, Director of Operations at Joyce’s Supermarkets said: “We are delighted to be working with two forward-looking Irish businesses that are committed not only to developing sustainable products but also educating the public about how a series small changes can make a difference. Our staff are always on hand in our stores to advise our customers and to help them make changes with everyday products to reduce their impact on the environment.”

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