'This was the year we took it upon ourselves to build a more sustainable future rather than leaving it to others,' said John Lewis & Partners in its annual Retail Report 2018. 'We know that 73 per cent of millennials will spend more with companies who create positive change.'
This past year has seen shoppers become more conscious about what they buy and where these products come from. Our desire to take responsibility and protect the planet has, in part, been driven by the issues raised in BBC’s Blue Planet II series.
Airing on BBC One in October 2017, it became the most watched TV show of the year, and the final episode's call to action on reducing plastic waste inspired people around the country to act more sustainably.
This desire for a less materialistic lifestyle has seen shoppers become more careful and mindful when making purchases. You may ask yourself: 'What is the impact on the planet? What does it say about me as a person?' There's a need to buy better and invest in a piece because of its quality and longevity and its impact on the environment.
'John Lewis & Partners has a better way of doing business, with a set of values that empower us all to take responsibility for how we act as a company, and as Partners,' said Martyn White, Partner and Senior Sustainability Manager. 'That's why we are able to put sustainability at the heart of everything we do.'
But what steps has the leading department store taken? Here, John Lewis outlines some of its sustainable efforts.
120 RECYCLED BOTTLES TO PRODUCE ONE 10.5 TOG DOUBLE DUVET
John Lewis explains: 'In August we introduced a cleverly designed duvet that is made from 100 per cent recycled polyester produced from plastic bottles – it takes approximately 120 bottles to produce one 10.5 tog double duvet. The duvet is produced in an eco factory that runs on renewable energy.'
+ 71 PER CENT REUSABLE CUPS
John Lewis explains: 'Four months after Blue Planet II finished, sales of reusable coffee cups, travel cups and flasks were up 71 per cent.'
• Eco-friendly, sleek and beautifully designed, the S’well bottle has been a must-have buy for 2018. Water bottles overall were up 37 per cent at John Lewis, with the number of brands the retailer stocks up by 85 per cent.
CROFT COLLECTION
John Lewis explains: 'As part of our commitment to using sustainably produced materials within the John Lewis Croft Collection, the glassware is all made from recycled glass.'
CRAFTSMANSHIP SINCE 1953
John Lewis explains: 'Our own brand cushions are manufactured by our Partners at the John Lewis owned mill in Lancashire, Herbert Parkinson. Our Partners have also produced our filled bedding, blinds and curtains at the mill since 1953.'
SUSTAINABLE FOOD STORAGE
John Lewis explains: 'We have seen strong sales in sustainable alternatives to tin foil and cling film with brands like Stasher and Bees Wrap driving the overall food storage category up 15 per cent.
REUSED OR RECYCLED SOFAS
John Lewis explains: 'We work with the Re-use Network on our not-for-profit sofa reuse scheme. When you buy a new sofa from our shops you can arrange to have your old one collected at the same time. We will then make sure it's reused or recycled in conjunction with local charities to support disadvantaged communities.'
Olivia Heath is the Daily Editor at House Beautiful. Heading up all things digital, Olivia loves nothing more than uncovering tomorrow's biggest design trends and revealing the best tips and tricks to help you decorate your home like an interior designer. Week by week Olivia shares the most stylish high street buys to help you get the look for less (while compiling her very own, and rather lengthy, homeware lust list) and showcases the best makeovers (who doesn't love a before & after?), as well as the hottest and most unique properties on the market.
Prior to making the switch to interiors on House Beautiful, Olivia worked at Reveal magazine, where she reported on celebrity and entertainment news by day, and attended showbiz parties and red carpet events by night! Olivia has an MA in Journalism with an NCTJ qualification, as well as a BA in Journalism and Media & Cultural Studies.
