Green Limerick: Six of the top sustainability trends we will see in 2023

RISING energy costs have shown us all in Limerick why we need to go green.

Whether hoping to save the planet or simply looking to keep some extra change in our hard-hit pockets, we can all afford to make some changes to our habits.

Here are six of the top sustainability trends that business experts are betting on for 2023:

More Renewable Energy Usage
With grants available for the installation of solar panels, storage pumps and Electric Vehicle (EV) charge stations, homeowners can now substantially reduce both their environmental impact and the amount of zeros at the end of their energy bills. Solar and wind are tipped to be the biggest two due to their low cost and high energy.

Advanced Recycling Techniques
Consumer awareness and conscientious purchasing is leading producers down a path of opting for more easily recyclable materials. With countries setting much higher recycling targets now, improved technology, like the solar powered recycling bins seen in Limerick will become more prolific. In the retail sector, companies are already committing to trends like demand planning, which involves estimating purchases before ordering packaging.

Better Public and Personal Transport
This trend puts increased bicycle use, better use of public transport and more electric vehicles to the fore. In Amsterdam there are over a million bikes and just over 800,000 people. Opting for your bike over your car for one day can reduce your carbon emissions by 67%, an Oxford study found.

Bamboo
Consumers are starting to separate and identify good and bad brands, based on whether they are proponents of fast (bad for the environment) or slow/sustainable fashion. In fashion, bamboo, hemp and organic cotton are becoming a more frequent choice for manufacturers. In place of wood, bamboo releases more oxygen and absorbs four times as much carbon dioxide. It’s strong, water resistant and cheaper to produce, which has led to a new trend where bamboo is being seen much more frequently in building materials.

More Sustainably Sourced Foods
While we don't all have to stop eating meat to save the planet, a small reduction could see a net benefit for the environment. If one was to abstain from meat or dairy altogether, they would see a 73% reduction in their carbon footprint. Production of "alternative foods" is tipped to be one of the biggest sustainability trends of 2023. Plant-based meat emits 30–90% less greenhouse gas and uses 47-99% less land.
Many are choosing locally or organically grown foods, from the likes of farmers markets seen throughout towns and villages.

Energy Efficient and Smart Technology
The final trends sees homeowners switch to smarter, more energy efficient and cost effective home appliances and devices, like smart meters, smart ovens or smart fridges.

Outside of the household, cloud storage and video conferencing are tipped to help reduce the carbon footprint of conscientious companies.