Few industries have not experienced an impact from COVID-19 in one way or another. For the horticulture industry, there’s been a resurgence of the home gardener and an interest in sustainability.
With many still fairly isolated to their homes, families are heading out to enjoy the natural world right outside their back door. In turn, they’re using this time (and money) to make improvements based on the lack of curb appeal they see in front of them.
Another result of the pandemic is a somewhat drastic shift in consumers interest in sustainability, their attitude toward environmental practices, and the repercussions of what they do and how they live.
In a recent survey conducted by Kearney Management Consultants, participants were asked about their interest in sustainability and environmental products, and whether their opinions had changed due to COVID-19. The survey revealed that 48% said the pandemic had made them more concerned about the environment, and 55% said that as a result of their COVID-19 experiences, they were “more likely to purchase environmentally friendly products.”
So what does that mean for growers and garden centers when consumers overall interest in sustainability has increased?
For the grower, this is an opportunity to bring your inventory full circle by utilizing and marketing plants and vegetables grown in sustainable, molded fiber growing containers.
Read more at Greenhouse Grower.