Top Sustainability Trends in 2026 (Backed by data)

Rachid Idali

by Rachid Idali

Below you'll find the top 50 sustainability trends for 2026, spotted by Rising Trends's trend radar algorithm.

These topics were detected from online sources including TikTok, X (Twitter), Instagram, Reddit, news outlets, and Google Search data. Each trend has at least 1,000+ monthly searches and over 20% year-over-year growth.

Top 50 Fastest-Growing Sustainability Trends

All sustainability trends with over 20% year-over-year growth, ranked by search volume.

1

Waste Management

1M vol+22%
2

Ev Charging Station

1M vol+22%
3

Coastal Flood Advisory

301K vol+50%
4

Ethos

301K vol+50%
5

Bessent

165K vol2.2X
6

Smokeless Fire Pit

165K vol+50%
7

Electric Snow Shovel

165K vol3.3X
8

Botanist

135K vol+23%
9

Refurbished Electronics

135K vol16.7X
10

Seed

135K vol+23%
11

Washing Detergent

110K vol+22%
12

Electric Snow Blower

110K vol2.7X
13

Electric Commuter Bike

90.5K vol16.8X
14

Phthalo Green

90.5K vol+22%
15

Affordable Electric Bike

74K vol2.2X
16

Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

74K vol4.1X
17

Foldable Ebike

74K vol2.7X
18

Pasture Raised Eggs

74K vol+83%
19

Indonesia Capital

74K vol6.1X
20

Composting Bin

74K vol+49%
21

Microplastics

49.5K vol+22%
22

3d Printed Home

49.5K vol+22%
23

Vegan Perfume

49.5K vol30.9X
24

Yaupon

40.5K vol+49%
25

Energy Efficient Windows

40.5K vol5X
26

Reusable Press On Nails

40.5K vol21.3X
27

Reusable Earplugs

40.5K vol68.6X
28

Natural Cycles

40.5K vol+49%
29

Battery Powered Snow Shovel

40.5K vol3.4X
30

Duck Weed

40.5K vol+49%
31

Ethical Chocolate

33.1K vol46.0X
32

Pcms

33.1K vol+22%
33

Nitrided Carbon Steel Pan

33.1K vol+99X
34

Lab Grown Engagement Rings

27.1K vol+50%
35

Usmca

27.1K vol+50%
36

Aerator Faucet

27.1K vol+22%
37

Cargo Ship

27.1K vol+22%
38

Nordic Diet

27.1K vol20.9X
39

Formula E

27.1K vol+22%
40

Plug In Solar

27.1K vol56.5X
41

Pmsd

22.2K vol+23%
42

Forest Cafe

22.2K vol+83%
43

Peche

22.2K vol+50%
44

Glass Straw

22.2K vol+50%
45

Vegan Leather Handbags

22.2K vol3.4X
46

Maglev Train

22.2K vol2.2X
47

Maha Movement

18.1K vol4.1X
48

Wind And Sea

18.1K vol+22%
49

Based Shampoo

18.1K vol+83%
50

Shampoo Ginger

18.1K vol+50%

Showing top 10 of 50 sustainability trends

Sustainability: 2026's Defining Movements

The sustainability sector is experiencing explosive growth across multiple fronts. Search data reveals a market driven by practical solutions: seitan leads with 1.22 million monthly searches (+639% YoY) as plant-based eating goes mainstream, EV charging stations command 823,000 searches as electric mobility scales, and rare earth minerals show +3,021% growth as clean energy infrastructure demands critical resources.

Sustainability Segment Top Search Volume Growth Driver
Plant-Based Food 1,220,000/mo Health, environment, protein alternatives
Electric Mobility 823,000/mo Infrastructure buildout, cost savings
Home Water Purification 165,000/mo Health concerns, water quality
Eco-Friendly Home Products 201,000/mo Non-toxic living, sustainable materials
Clean Energy & Resources 90,500/mo Energy transition, supply chain security

1. Plant-Based Food Revolution

The plant-based movement has moved from niche to mainstream. "Seitan" now commands an extraordinary 1.22 million monthly searches with +639% year-over-year growth, while ancient grains like sorghum (+50%) and amaranth are gaining traction as sustainable protein sources.

Seitan

91KVolume
+22%5Y
0445K891K1.3M01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

Sorghum

74KVolume
+22%5Y
53K83K113K142K01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

Amaranth

74KVolume
N/A5Y
68K92K117K141K01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

What's Driving This Shift

  • Protein diversification – Consumers seeking alternatives beyond soy and pea protein
  • Environmental awareness – Plant proteins have significantly lower carbon footprints
  • Culinary innovation – Chefs and home cooks discovering versatile applications
  • Health optimization – Nutrient-dense ancient grains offering complete amino acid profiles

What's Gaining Momentum

Seitan (1,220,000 searches, +639% YoY) – A wheat gluten-based meat substitute that mimics the taste and texture of meat. Its surge reflects growing demand for high-protein vegan alternatives that satisfy meat cravings without the environmental impact.

Sorghum (165,000 searches, +50% YoY) – A non-GMO, gluten-free cereal grain with a rich nutritional profile. Trending for its sustainability credentials—it requires less water than other grains and thrives in arid conditions, making it climate-resilient.

Winged Bean (33,100 searches, +652% YoY) – A tropical legume where the entire plant is edible and rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Growing interest reflects demand for sustainable, nutrient-dense crops with diverse culinary applications.

Amaranth Grain (18,100 searches, +50% YoY) – A gluten-free pseudocereal historically a staple of the Aztec diet. Trending for its complete protein profile and appeal in health-conscious and sustainable food movements.

Organic Coffee Blends (8,100 searches, +26,900% YoY) – Explosive growth in certified organic coffee as consumers demand sustainable, pesticide-free options with diverse flavor profiles.

Notable Resources

  • The Good Trade – Sustainable living and ethical food guides
  • FAO – UN food sustainability research and data
  • EatingWell – Plant-based recipes and nutrition information

2. Electric Mobility Transformation

Electric transportation is scaling rapidly beyond cars. "EV charging station" commands 823,000 monthly searches, while "electric commuter bike" shows extraordinary +1,567% growth. The data reveals consumers seeking practical, affordable electric mobility solutions.

Ev Charging Station

1000KVolume
13x5Y
0364K727K1.1M01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

Electric Commuter Bike

91KVolume
47x5Y
049K99K148K01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

Affordable Electric Bike

74KVolume
+512%5Y
2K41K81K120K01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

What's Driving This Shift

  • Infrastructure expansion – Charging networks becoming ubiquitous in urban and suburban areas
  • Cost economics – Electric bikes and scooters offering significant savings over car ownership
  • Last-mile solutions – E-bikes filling the gap between public transit and final destinations
  • Urban planning – Cities investing in bike lanes and micro-mobility infrastructure

What's Gaining Momentum

EV Charging Station (823,000 searches, +22% YoY) – The backbone of electric vehicle adoption. Search interest reflects both consumers planning EV purchases and businesses evaluating charging infrastructure investments.

Electric Commuter Bike (135,000 searches, +1,567% YoY) – E-bikes designed for urban commuting with motor assistance, significant battery range, and user-friendly features. The explosive growth reflects their emergence as a legitimate car replacement for many commuters.

Affordable Electric Bike (90,500 searches, +123% YoY) – Cost-effective e-bikes priced under $1,500, making electric biking accessible to more people. Trending as consumers seek eco-friendly, low-maintenance transportation options.

Rent Electric Bike (90,500 searches, +234% YoY) – Short-term e-bike rentals via apps, offering convenience for urban commuting and recreation. Growing as cities expand bike-share programs and tourists seek sustainable exploration options.

Cargo Bikes (33,100 searches, +124% YoY) – Multi-purpose bicycles designed to carry heavy loads, offering a sustainable transport alternative for goods and children. Popular with families and urban delivery services.

Notable Resources

  • Electrek – Electric vehicle and e-bike news and reviews
  • PlugShare – EV charging station locator and network
  • Electric Bike Review – Comprehensive e-bike comparisons and ratings

3. Home Water Purification

Water quality concerns are driving massive investment in home filtration. "Whole house water filtration" reaches 165,000 monthly searches with +50% growth, as consumers prioritize clean water throughout their homes, not just at the tap.

Whole House Water Filtration

135KVolume
+233%5Y
14K119K223K327K01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

Home Water Filtration System

74KVolume
+173%5Y
0134K268K402K01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

What's Driving This Shift

  • Health awareness – Growing concerns about contaminants including lead, chlorine, and PFAS
  • Infrastructure aging – Municipal water systems in many areas showing quality issues
  • Taste and odor – Consumers wanting better-tasting water without buying bottled
  • Whole-home approach – Interest in clean water for bathing and appliances, not just drinking

What's Gaining Momentum

Whole House Water Filtration (165,000 searches, +50% YoY) – Systems installed on a home's main water line that treat all incoming water, removing chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, and bacteria. Trending as consumers prioritize comprehensive water quality solutions.

Reverse Osmosis System for Home (22,200 searches, +23% YoY) – Filtration devices using pressure to force water through semi-permeable membranes, removing pollutants and ensuring high-quality drinking water. Growing as consumers seek effective at-home solutions.

Salt Free Water Softener (18,100 searches, +83% YoY) – Systems that chemically alter hardness minerals to prevent scale buildup without removing them. Trending for lower environmental impact and reduced maintenance needs compared to traditional salt-based softeners.

Home Water Filtration System (90,500 searches, +234% 5Y) – Broader category of in-home devices removing contaminants and odors using filtration, distillation, and UV treatment. Growing interest reflects concerns over water quality driving demand for advanced solutions.

Notable Resources

  • EWG Tap Water Database – Local water quality testing results
  • NSF International – Water filter certification standards
  • EPA Drinking Water – Federal water quality standards and information

4. Clean Energy & Critical Resources

The energy transition is creating unprecedented demand for critical materials. "Rare earth minerals" shows +3,021% growth as supply chain concerns intensify, while "energy efficient windows" (+511%) and "BESS" (battery energy storage, +235%) reflect practical adoption of clean energy solutions.

Rare Earth Minerals

15KVolume
+517%5Y
033K66K99K01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

Energy Efficient Windows

41KVolume
+400%5Y
033K66K99K01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

Bessent

165KVolume
970x5Y
060K121K181K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

Refurbished Electronics

135KVolume
55x5Y
049K99K148K01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

What's Driving This Shift

  • Geopolitical concerns – China controls 60% of rare earth supply, prompting diversification efforts
  • Renewable infrastructure – Solar, wind, and battery storage requiring critical materials
  • Energy costs – High utility bills driving investment in efficiency upgrades
  • Circular economy – Refurbishment and recycling reducing need for virgin materials

What's Gaining Momentum

Rare Earth Minerals (90,500 searches, +3,021% YoY) – Seventeen metallic elements vital to electronics, EVs, and renewable energy. Trending due to geopolitical concerns over supply chain resilience and the push for domestic production alternatives.

Energy Efficient Windows (49,500 searches, +511% YoY) – Windows featuring low-E coatings, argon gas, and multi-pane glass to reduce heat transfer. Surging as homeowners invest in efficiency upgrades that lower utility bills and improve comfort.

BESS (27,100 searches, +235% YoY) – Battery Energy Storage Systems that store energy to stabilize power grids. Trending as renewable energy grows and utilities need reliable storage to dispatch energy on demand.

Refurbished Electronics (33,100 searches, +1,041% YoY) – Pre-owned devices restored to meet quality standards. Driven by cost savings, environmental benefits, and quality assurance from companies like Back Market emphasizing eco-friendly practices.

Critical Metals (9,900 searches, +6,971% YoY) – Essential metals integral to modern technology, energy, and industry. Explosive growth reflects urgent concerns over sustainable resource security and supply chain vulnerabilities.

AI Data Center (27,100 searches, +1,029% YoY) – Integration of AI to optimize data center operations, enhance efficiency, and manage energy demands. Trending as the industry addresses massive computing needs while improving sustainability.

Notable Resources


5. Eco-Friendly Home & Personal Care

Sustainable living is extending to everyday products. "Smokeless fire pit" commands 201,000 searches as outdoor living goes eco-friendly, while "eco-friendly cleaning products" (+825%) and "linen bed sheets" (+123%) reflect demand for non-toxic, sustainable home goods.

Smokeless Fire Pit

165KVolume
+173%5Y
10K79K149K218K01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

Oxygen Bleach

15KVolume
+236%5Y
79015K30K44K01/2101/2201/2301/2401/2512/25

What's Driving This Shift

  • Health concerns – Consumers avoiding toxic chemicals in cleaning and personal care
  • Indoor air quality – Interest in products that don't off-gas or pollute home environments
  • Durability mindset – Preference for long-lasting natural materials over disposable synthetics
  • Outdoor lifestyle – Cleaner burning options for backyard entertaining

What's Gaining Momentum

Smokeless Fire Pit (201,000 searches, +22% YoY) – Wood-burning pits engineered with double walls and vents that promote efficient combustion, significantly reducing smoke. Trending for cleaner, eco-friendly outdoor experiences.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products (22,200 searches, +825% YoY) – Sustainable cleaning solutions using non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients and sustainable packaging. Surging as consumers seek safe, effective alternatives to traditional chemical cleaners.

Linen Bed Sheets (18,100 searches, +123% YoY) – Bedding made from flax-derived natural linen, prized for durability, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. Trending as consumers seek eco-friendly, performance-driven home textiles.

Oxygen Bleach (22,200 searches, +83% YoY) – An eco-friendly cleaning agent made from sodium percarbonate that releases oxygen in water, lifting stains without toxic chemicals. Trending as a biodegradable alternative to chlorine bleach.

Shampoo Ginger (33,100 searches, +22% YoY) – A tropical plant producing a fragrant, clear liquid that serves as natural shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer. Growing interest reflects demand for natural, sustainable personal care alternatives.

Natural Ant Repellent (14,800 searches, +49% YoY) – Eco-friendly substances using essential oils and household ingredients to deter ants. Trending as consumers seek non-toxic, safe alternatives to chemical pesticides.

Notable Resources

  • EWG Cleaning Guide – Safety ratings for household cleaning products
  • Solo Stove – Leading smokeless fire pit manufacturer
  • Good Housekeeping – Sustainable home product reviews and recommendations

Summary

The sustainability landscape of 2026 reveals a movement that has moved beyond ideology into practical, everyday adoption. Whether consumers are cooking with seitan (1.22M searches, +639%), charging their electric commuter bike (+1,567% growth), installing whole house water filtration (+50%), tracking rare earth mineral supply chains (+3,021%), or switching to eco-friendly cleaning products (+825%) – the common thread is sustainability becoming the default choice rather than the alternative.

The winners in this market will be brands that make sustainable choices easy, affordable, and effective. Today's sustainability consumers aren't making sacrifices – they're making upgrades that happen to be better for the planet.

For more insights on tracking emerging trends, see our guide on Using Google Trends for Market Research.

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Written By

Rachid Idali

Founder of Rising Trends, helping entrepreneurs identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities through expert trend analysis and insights.