Our Top Stories
Making sustainable choices affordable: To stimulate climate action, sustainable food choices must be more accessible, especially in underserved communities where food deserts exist and reliance on dollar stores limits options. In the Guardian, Dharna Noor writes about her attempt to follow a climate-friendly diet exclusively from dollar store purchases in the US. She highlights significant barriers, including limited availability of fresh produce, added sugars in staples, and food waste due to poor quality. Experts emphasise that targeted policies and systemic changes are essential to improve access to affordable and nutritious plant-based foods, enabling personal and planetary health in the face of multiple crises. [The Guardian]
Health, taste, and sustainability: Consumer demand for sustainability in food and beverages continues to grow, with 46% of global consumers actively seeking sustainable products to reduce their footprint. Manufacturers are responding by innovating with functional plant-based proteins that perfectly balance taste, health, and environmental impact. This evolving focus underscores the importance of aligning product development with personal consumer values and societal benefits. Brands must continue this trend and demonstrate that delicious, healthy food can also be sustainable within modern diets. [Food Navigator]
Business Spotlight - BRC and Provenance
A new analysis by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Provenance has revealed that 74% of UK retailers' online products feature green claims, demonstrating significant progress in meeting consumer demand for sustainable choice. However, 1 in 7 claims were identified as High Risk for potentially misleading consumers, highlighting the need for greater transparency, traceability, and adherence to the Green Claims Code. The launch of the Retailer Green Claims Forum now aims to support retailers in improving their communication efforts to build greater customer trust and truly take advantage of green growth opportunities. [BRC]
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.
