How do we increase the supply of goods and services that support sustainable lifestyles, and enhance consumer demand for these products?

The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) commissioned OneEarth Living in partnership with the Share Reuse Repair Initiative (SRRI) to undertake a research study to gain insights on the innovation ecosystem that supports the development and growth of businesses that provide sustainable lifestyle goods and services in the Greater Vancouver region of Canada. These businesses are an essential part of local efforts to create a thriving, sustainable local economy that leaves no one behind.

The aim of the study was to identify the success factors and barriers facing the local entrepreneurial community and influencing their ability to contribute to the promotion of sustainable lifestyles. The study provided recommendations for how to move the dial on further mainstreaming sustainable lifestyles and related innovation in southwest British Columbia. Insights were also gained through consultations with key experts and through an action-focused multi-stakeholder workshop held in March 2022 targeting key supporting organizations contributing to the promotion of sustainable lifestyles in Canada. 

This regional case study was incorporated into a larger global analysis with the addition of complementary studies conducted by counterparts in India and Japan. The goal is to learn from the experiences of small and medium-sized enterprises, community businesses and social entrepreneurs promoting sustainable lifestyles in different cultural and economic contexts. OneEarth Living and the SRRI team are taking next steps on the recommendations in Canada.