In the past few decades, organic, sustainably-sourced, fair trade, cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free options were once only available in small boutique health and grocery stores or directly from the producers (small farmers and small niche wellness companies). These types of items also typically came with a far heftier price tag compared to their big box store alternatives.
When did eating real food that wasn’t drenched in pesticides and preservatives become only accessible to those with a bit more cash flow? When did the deciding factor as to whether or not one could use products that were not only healthy and safe for the body but also for the environment become a matter of income?
We rapidly and almost unnoticeably transitioned into an instant-gratification and convenience-driven society. Bulk and bargain dominated for decades. Cheaper was better in the eyes and wallets for many, and this was also in part because the other options were far beyond financial reaches. So much so that Whole Foods even received the nickname “Whole Paycheck.”
Times are changing though! Thank goodness!
In 2018, a noticeable shift really started to take place in the health and wellness market. Ethically-sourced and environmentally-friendly products, both food and other, are becoming more affordable and more accessible as the demand for them has dramatically risen. Big box brands are really starting to get on board too.
As consumers, we hold the power. This is a realization that each and every one of us needs to have and embrace. As a whole, we want to know what’s in the food and drinks that we are consuming and what’s in the products that we are using. We want to know where things are coming from and that the sourcing of those ingredients aren’t contributing to environmental destruction, global warming, and harm to animals.
The shift that is starting to take place is that companies are being held more accountable and are being forced to be more transparent about the ingredients and materials that they are using to create the items that are seeking. We are shifting toward to an era where organic, ethically-sourced, and environmentally-friendly products are the norm for everyone regardless of income.
In order for this trend to continue though, we must demand it!