A quick summary:
When we talk about wellbeing, the conversation often focuses on personal health.
Better sleep. Healthier eating. More movement. Less stress.
But increasingly, people are thinking beyond individual wellbeing and asking a bigger question: how can we take care of ourselves while also taking better care of the planet?
That's exactly why sustainability and wellbeing are becoming more closely connected. Climate anxiety is becoming a reality for many employees, particularly younger generations, influencing how they feel about the future, their work, and the organisations they choose to work for. As a result, businesses are beginning to view sustainability not just as an environmental responsibility, but as an important part of supporting employee wellbeing and engagement.
The products we use every day to support our health, whether it’s food, supplements, skincare, fitness products, or hydration habits, can also play a role in reducing waste, supporting ethical production, and making healthier long-term choices for the environment.
And for employers, this matters too. Employees increasingly want to work for organisations whose values align with their own. Sustainability is no longer viewed as a separate conversation from wellbeing or workplace culture. For many teams, they now go hand in hand.
Research shows that environmental and sustainability policies are now considered one of employees’ top workplace expectations in the UK, particularly among younger generations entering the workforce. Around 70% of Gen Z and Millennials consider environmental practices a primary deciding factor when choosing a role, and up to 43% of younger UK workers are willing to leave jobs over a lack of corporate alignment.
This World Environment Day, it’s a good opportunity to think about how small, everyday choices can create a positive impact for both people and the planet.
Sustainability and wellbeing are more connected than ever
Wellbeing support has evolved significantly in recent years.
Employees are looking for benefits that feel practical, personalised, and aligned with the way they actually want to live. That includes making more environmentally conscious choices where possible. The good news is that sustainable living doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire lifestyle overnight.
In reality, many sustainable habits also support healthier routines:
- Using reusable products instead of single-use alternatives
- Choosing products with natural or responsibly sourced ingredients
- Reducing unnecessary waste
- Supporting ethical and regenerative businesses
- Making more mindful food choices
- Investing in products designed to last longer
Small changes can add up quickly, especially when supported at scale across workplaces and communities.
Everyday wellbeing choices that also support the planet
One of the easiest ways to make sustainability feel more achievable is by focusing on products and habits people already use every day. At Heka, we partner with a wide range of wellbeing brands that are helping employees make healthier and more sustainable choices across different areas of everyday life.
Reusable water bottles and hydration habits
Plastic waste remains one of the biggest environmental challenges globally.
In fact, for every 6 plastic water bottles bought, only 1 is recycled. Switching to reusable drinkware is one of the simplest ways people can reduce single-use plastic waste while also encouraging better hydration habits. Brands like Ocean Bottle combine sustainability with practicality, creating reusable bottles made from recycled materials that keep drinks hot or cold for hours. Every purchase also funds the collection of 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles.
Sustainable yoga mats and fitness gear
Movement and fitness are an important part of overall wellbeing, but many traditional fitness products are made using non-biodegradable materials. Brands like Ekotex are helping change that with yoga mats created from natural and biodegradable materials including tree rubber, rice husk, bamboo pulp, and biodegradable TPE. The result is fitness equipment that supports both personal wellbeing and lower environmental impact.
Plant-based supplements and wellbeing products
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important within the supplements and nutrition space too. Brands like Luna & Solis offer plant-based liquid supplements packaged in recyclable glass bottles, while Aduna works directly with rural producers to support regenerative farming and sustainable incomes. And for tea lovers, Bird & Blend uses compostable or recyclable packaging, alongside zero-emission deliveries across London through bike courier partnerships.
These kinds of choices make it easier for people to support both their own wellbeing goals and more responsible consumption habits.
Sustainable skincare and personal care
Consumers are also becoming more conscious about what goes into their skincare and personal care products. Brands like Lumity focus on recyclable, compostable, and reusable packaging alongside responsibly sourced ingredients, while Plantopia creates vegan-friendly wellbeing products designed to support stress management and holistic wellbeing.
There’s also growing demand for reusable menstrual products through brands like DAME and Mooncup, helping people reduce waste through more sustainable long-term alternatives.
Natural candles and aromatherapy
Wellbeing rituals at home are becoming more popular, particularly as people look for ways to relax and recharge outside of work. But many traditional candles are made using paraffin wax and synthetic materials. Brands including Old Green Studio, Scentered, and Ajora instead use natural waxes and essential oils, with refillable options and repurposed packaging that help reduce unnecessary waste.
Sustainable food choices
Food waste continues to be a major environmental issue globally, with around one-third of all food produced going to waste. At the same time, employees are often looking for healthier and more convenient ways to eat well during busy working weeks. Brands like All Week, Scoff, and STOCKED help support both goals through pre-portioned meals designed to reduce food waste while making healthy eating more accessible. For employers, offering wellbeing support around nutrition can benefit both employee health and wider sustainability goals at the same time.
Eco-friendly sleep support
Sleep remains one of the most important foundations of wellbeing. But sustainable choices exist here too. Brands like All About Sleep offer bamboo pillowcases and sleep masks made from organic and sustainable materials that are free from harmful chemicals and certified to recognised environmental standards.
Why sustainable wellbeing matters to employers
Employees increasingly expect organisations to take wellbeing and sustainability seriously.
And importantly, they want these commitments to feel genuine and integrated into company culture, not just occasional campaigns or statements.
Supporting sustainable wellbeing can help organisations:
- Encourage healthier everyday habits
- Align wellbeing initiatives with ESG goals
- Demonstrate company values more clearly
- Improve employee engagement
- Support attraction and retention efforts
- Create a stronger sense of purpose across teams
For HR leaders, it’s an opportunity to make wellbeing support feel more meaningful and relevant to modern employees.
Creating positive impact beyond the workplace
Sustainability is ultimately about collective impact.
That’s why we partner with Dots.eco to support vetted environmental organisations around the world focused on protecting wildlife, restoring habitats, reducing plastic pollution, and supporting biodiversity. Through these initiatives, employees and organisations can contribute towards actions like:
- Planting trees
- Clearing plastic from oceans
- Protecting wildlife habitats
- Supporting animal rescue initiatives
- Buying land for nature restoration
It’s a reminder that small actions, when multiplied across teams and communities, can create meaningful environmental change over time.
This World Environment Day, focus on progress over perfection
Sustainable living can sometimes feel overwhelming. But in reality, most positive change starts with small, consistent choices.
Choosing reusable products. Reducing waste where possible. Supporting ethical brands. Making more mindful wellbeing decisions.
None of it has to be perfect.
World Environment Day is simply a chance to reflect on how wellbeing and sustainability can support each other, both at home and at work. At Heka, we believe supporting healthier people and a healthier planet should go hand in hand.
If you’d like to explore how Heka can support wellbeing and sustainability across your organisation, get in touch.
