1. Mental health awareness:
Prior to 2020, the world already faced record high rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, in large part led by the Millennial and Z generations – but in 2020, our mental health was taxed to a new degree. One-in-four young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 say they considered suicide in the spring of 2020, notes the United States Centers for Disease Control, specifically citing the pandemic as a leading culprit. Nearly one-third of the 5,412 survey respondents, across all age groups, said they had symptoms of anxiety or depression, and over a quarter reported trauma and stress-related disorders because of the pandemic.
Thus in 2021, almost all brands on a larger social platform were promoting Mental health awareness.
2. Sustainability as table stakes:
This will lead to big changes for companies in their share prices, financing options, willingness of investors to invest, and it will promote more scrutiny and activism by shareholders. Consumers, especially the younger generation, will pay attention and it will affect their purchasing choices.
It’s already happening in Europe and will soon spread to the US primarily through the SEC. Companies that are out ahead and can show how well they are managing risks and contributing to the environment and social well-being will have greater success. Those that aren’t will suffer consequences.
3. Relocalization:
There are many sociological factors signaling a new relocalization movement. From championing local farmers, local talent, local businesses to local attractions, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to center our attention on what’s in our surroundings and what makes our town, city, region or state unique, beautiful and resilient.
4. A desire to commune with nature:
During a year in which many of us were housebound, the great outdoors took on new significance. Sales of seeds and baby chickens hit all time highs in the U.S. while people looked for birds and nearby trails to explore.
NPD group notes that sales of bicycles were up 63% compared to the same time last year. Golf gear and paddle board equipment also saw growth as did searches for plant identification apps. In Japan, 2020 inspired many to look for plots of forestland. As reported in the Japan Times, a company that lists forested land for sale said they typically have around 10 to 20 deals a month, but in August of 2020, they received 500 inquiries, a fivefold increase from the same period last year. In September, they received around 650 inquiries.
Meanwhile, in the U.K., folks looked not toward the forests, but their backyards as a potential natural oasis. A survey by LV=GI found that Brits spent an average £125 on their gardens during lockdown, with Millennials and Gen Zers between the ages of 25 and 39 spending the most on their outdoor spaces.
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