Sustainability is much more than just a buzzword. It’s a force that is reshaping retail as consumers reward businesses that take measurable steps to reduce their environmental impact. A whopping 78% of consumers consider sustainability an important factor, and 61% say they are willing to change their habits to reduce environmental harm, according to IBM’s 2024 consumer study. 

Globe Scan found that 49% of U.S. consumers bought an environmentally friendly product in April of this year; 36% did not but indicated they would have liked to. Additionally, a study from sustainability consulting firm Aura, reported on by the Wall Street Journal, found that 37% of U.S. consumers refused a purchase because of unsustainable packaging, with 80% believing companies use too much packaging. 

Greenwashing is also a problem on consumers’ radars: “They want hard data, not vague PR statements,” shares IBM, though 59% indicate they don’t have sufficient information to shop sustainably. 

For eyecare professionals, the sustainability pressure can create ideal opportunities to align patient expectations with practice operations, from frame selection to everyday office practices—in addition to cultivating a healthier planet. 

• Make packaging an easy win.

Switch to right-sized, consolidated shipping with labs and vendors. Default to paper-based, curbside-recyclable mailers and avoid plastic air pillows where possible. Add a brief “why your box is smaller” note on receipts or inserts.

• Close the loop.

Set up collection points for old eyewear and cases; repair or recycle when possible and donate responsibly. Offer nose-pad and temple-tip repairs and lens refreshes to shine in this category.

• In-house enhancements.

Implement LED lighting and smart thermostats. Switch to digital-first operations where possible, for both the office and patient communications, to reduce paper waste.

• Involve the team.

To address the information gap felt by 59% of consumers, train your staff with quick talking points: what “bio-acetate” means, why right-sized boxes look smaller, how repairs extend frame life, and how to dispose of eyecare-related waste properly.