Key Insights from the TGM Global Sustainability Report 2024
Top Habits People Are Embracing to Support the Environment
From quiet recycling routines to conscious consumption, here’s how sustainability is taking root around the world—backed by real data from the TGM Global Sustainability Report 2024.
Top Habits Driving Sustainable Living
The climate conversation has moved into the home, the supermarket, and even the daily commute. Around the world, people are shifting from intention to action, not through grand declarations, but through small, repeatable choices that reflect a deeper sense of responsibility. The TGM Global Sustainability Report 2024 reveals how these quiet efforts are gaining momentum across different aspects of everyday life.
Waste Reduction Becomes an Everyday Reflex
Waste reduction has evolved from an ideal into a practiced habit. Nearly half of all respondents (46%) say they actively reduce, reuse, and recycle materials to minimize waste. This habit is no longer limited to a conscious few; it’s becoming a shared norm among many consumers. From sorting recyclables in the kitchen to repurposing jars and bags, these actions reflect a mindset shift. People are not only more aware of the waste they generate, they are also increasingly proactive in managing it. These everyday gestures may seem small, but collectively, they represent a growing refusal to accept a disposable culture.
Rethinking Ownership Through Second-Hand Choices
The growing embrace of second-hand and refurbished goods reflects a deeper change in how people value ownership. With 25% of respondents purchasing second-hand or refurbished products, conscious shopping has matured beyond a niche trend into a quiet rejection of overconsumption.
This behavior speaks to the emergence of a more circular economy mindset, where extending the lifespan of an item is seen as both a smart and sustainable decision. Whether it’s a refurbished device or a pre-loved piece of furniture, these choices help reduce demand for new production and the environmental cost that comes with it.
Greener Ways to Get Around
As people become more aware of their carbon footprint, how they get from one place to another is undergoing re-evaluation. The report shows that 1 in 3 people are choosing lower-impact transport options like public transit, carpooling, or electric vehicles. These decisions aren’t just about saving money or avoiding traffic, they reflect a growing awareness of how daily routines contribute to emissions.
Interestingly, this habit is especially prominent among older age groups, particularly those aged 55 and above. Whether due to lifestyle, infrastructure access, or a heightened sense of environmental responsibility, these individuals are leading the adoption of greener commuting options. As urban centers invest more in electric mobility and accessible transit, this habit is expected to gain even more traction.
From Everyday Habits to Strategic Signals
What we’re observing is not merely a shift in individual behavior, but a broader cultural realignment with growing implications for business strategy. Consumers are making low-effort, high-impact changes in how they shop, commute, and live at home.
For businesses, the message is clear: the path to relevance in 2025 is built around helping consumers act sustainably in the ways that already matter to them.
Curious about what these shifts mean for your category or market? Download our free TGM Mini Global Sustainability Report 2024 for insights from 34 countries and explore the climate-conscious habits influencing consumer behavior today.
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