Our Top Stories
The impact of bans on consumer behaviour: Circular Online reports on the European government’s upcoming bans on single-use plastics, petrol and diesel vehicles, and gas boilers, which aim to promote more sustainable consumption and demonstrate leadership in environmental policy. While these bans target specific products, they often fall short of changing wider consumer behaviour. For instance, banning single-use plastics usually prompts people to turn to other disposable materials without reducing single-use habits. Lasting change, therefore, requires a balance between strict regulations and behavioural nudges to guide consumers toward more sustainable choices. Plastic bag charges are a prime example of nudging behaviour through economic incentives rather than bans. In England, the use of plastic bags has fallen by more than 98% after the introduction of the 5p and 10p fees. [Circular Online]
High-risk greenwashing on the rise: Greenwashing cases dropped by 12% overall in 2023-2024, but high-risk incidents increased by more than 30%, according to RepRisk. Incident severity is assessed based on the actual consequences of the risk, the scale of its impact, and whether it was deliberate and part of a broader pattern. Companies with significant environmental footprints were the most frequent offenders, attempting to mislead the public about their practices. This trend highlights the growing influence of eco-conscious consumers, whose preferences are becoming a powerful market force. With high-emitting organisations willing to take advantage of this segment, climate transparency has never been more important in holding polluters accountable. [RepRisk]
Business Spotlight - Ocado
Online retail giant Ocado has announced an expansion of its pre-filled product lines, following strong customer demand since their initial launch in August. Sales of refillable rice and pasta products have outperformed their single-use packaged counterparts by 29%, with triple the anticipated units sold. This surge reflects the growing base of eco-conscious consumers, with 72% of Ocado’s shoppers expressing concern over waste from single-use packaging in groceries. [Edie]
The Big Picture
The EU achieved a net 8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 compared to the previous year. Emissions are now 37% below 1990 levels, while GDP has grown by 68% over the same period, proving that it is possible to decouple emissions growth from corporate growth. Image source: The EU Commission
About Vela
At Vela, we make better choices feel effortless.
Since day one, we’ve been building tools that reward you for living well — for your health, your wallet, and the planet.
Whether it’s tracking everyday spending, earning points for healthier shops, or unlocking rewards you actually want, Vela turns intention into action. Because most people care. They just need it to fit into real life.
We don’t believe sustainability should feel like sacrifice.
Our goal is simple: remove the trade-offs. Make climate-positive living practical. Make healthy habits rewarding. Make doing better feel worth it.
We’re here to spark a shift in everyday behaviour — one shop, one choice, one reward at a time.
