2025 Is the Year of the Individual – New Research Highlights the Power Shift in Social and Environmental Impact
NORTHAMPTON, Mass., February 4, 2025 /3BL/ - A new national study from 3BL, in partnership with TriplePundit and Glow, reveals a striking trend shaping the sustainability and social impact landscape in 2025: the growing role of individual action. According to the research, 36% of Americans believe individuals—not government or business—will drive the most positive impact on social and environmental issues this year. This sentiment is even stronger among highly engaged sustainability consumers, rising to 41%.
As organizations navigate evolving regulations and stakeholder expectations, public demand for corporate responsibility remains steady across political lines. The study found that while institutional frameworks may shift, Americans continue to expect meaningful action from the businesses they support.
Key Consumer Trends
- Political and Generational Shifts: Republicans (22%) favor business-led impact, while Democrats (25%) lean on government. Gen Z trusts institutions, while Baby Boomers (38%) believe in individual action but show skepticism (26%).
- Business Priorities: Consumers expect action on employee well-being (56%), sustainable packaging (54%), and ecosystem restoration (49%).
- Sustainability Behaviors: More consumers are shopping secondhand, reducing air travel, and cutting meat consumption.
The 3Bs of Impact Communications: A Framework for Businesses
To help organizations align with shifting expectations, 3BL introduces the 3Bs of Impact Communications:
- Blueprint: Develop a plan based on the landscape.
- Benchmark: Analyze and optimize strategies for impact.
- Breakthrough: Deliver the right message to the right audience.
For more details and to access the full report, visit here.
About 3BL
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most.
3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.
