Retailers’ sustainability initiatives show that shoppers don’t just want cheap, fast fashion – ethical and eco-savvy values are important too. But are visibly mended sweaters and ‘sneaker cleaning’ services just an updated version of the ‘It bag’, or are people ready to adopt low-impact lifestyles?

Whether it’s buying a reusable coffee cup, ditching single-use water bottles, or simply recycling, there are countless ways for people to reduce their plastic waste and help to preserve the planet. Canvas8 spoke to eight Americans to find out whether they’re taking such actions and why.

As people realise the impact of waste packaging on the planet, they’re making small lifestyle changes through independent brand innovations. But with convenience still high on people’s priority list, how is reusable, recyclable shopping platform Loop taking the circular economy mainstream?

Brazil-based Insecta fuses ethics and aesthetics to produce upcycled vegan shoes. Hoping to expand its sustainability initiatives to Europe and America, the brand is tapping into a consumer demand for greater environmental responsibility from businesses.