2018 in Australia see us at a tipping point for more mainstream interest in some key eco areas. And it's going to be a very very big year for all things eco.
This is bigger than anyone can begin to imagine.The knock on impacts of more states picking up the Deposit Scheme and the broad based ban of Single use Shopping Bags will have systemic implications in every Australian household as the changes pervade our daily lives. Many won't notice the changes, beyond whinging about having to find an alternative plastic bag, but you can be sure that as people get used to the changes, they will not only behave in more eco ways, but they will also begin to congratulate themselves for it.For the more eco enthusiastic, this shift doesn't just mean the general population's contribution to a more eco world will mean that there will be less plastic for Claire Tracey's next bottle dress - not immediately anyway.But once kids start pestering parents for bottles for the deposit machine and reusable bags have to be purchased, awareness will really begin to change on many many levels.
Mainstream interest means more awareness, uptake and investment in eco businesses. It also means better design, more conversation and it being increasingly cool to be eco. The cooler it is to be eco, the cooler eco becomes.And that changes everything. These two events aren't the only things impacting eco trends in 2018, but they will help to create the perfect storm for behaviour and even broader changes to mainstream products and services.
We are going to see more and more high tech recycle products like Econyl used by companies like Elle Evans - made from ocean plastic and other plastics by-products. The companies already using Econyl are are unique, they make a difference and are a statement for anyone wearing them.
And you'll need to put your Econyl swimmers into a tote made from upcycled sails or recycled plastic bottles.
It will become more important to have a principal tote bag that looks good because it's the one that will go with you everywhere. Beach, shop, friends place. Big enough to easily carry towels or groceries or wine for dinner.
Kitchen herbs are more in than ever as we are all now reality TV foodies. And added to this - pot plants are back. This time because they are excellent air purifiers for the concrete and chemical apartments we live in and offices we work in. The coolest office pot plants won't be in anything dreary, but more likely in something interesting like Llama fibre or recycled paper like this one from Fox Hill Llamas. Micro greens in kitchens and balcony gardens are popping up everywhere and for those who can afford the installation, vertical gardens are must have reno accessories - as are kitchen gardens like this one from Sustainable Garden Design.
(If you can't afford a landscaper, check out Ikea's open source plans for a Growroom and make your own.)
Keep Cup used to own this market - and fair enough too, as they were well and truly first in - years ahead. But the market is growing and there is plenty of room for others like JOCO and Sol Cups to spin their designs and for higher tech cups like Frank Green scanables.
Design in reusable cups keeps getting better and choice is widening. While we will see an enormous shift to the acceptance of reusable coffee cups, we will also see more investment in finding a legitimate biodegradable disposable.
Pet lovin will step up another few gears. Health care, day care, accessories, food and fashion.
Pets are increasingly de facto children and there will be more focus on what their hangouts, accessories & bedding is made out of as well as what they eat. Organic food, fair trade baskets, toys and natural fabrics.
And I bet you know who I am talking about already. Anyone (like a politician that might have been accidentally voted in) who holds a mirror to dangers of expecting someone else to fix your problems, reminds us that we better get on with doing our bit if we want a better eco world. Especially if you want one that is eco, equal and fair. Oh, and stylish, with a good haircut.Have a great 2018!