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Responsible Consumption and Production Written and illustrated by Laura Kazmeier
What’s the Problem? Our current production and consumption patterns are simply not sustainable. We are using too many of the earth’s resources and are not giving it enough time to recover. If the global population reaches 9.6 billion by 2050, it is estimated that the equivalent of almost three planets could be required to provide the natural resources needed to sustain current lifestyles! The food industry is a good example of these problematic patterns: A third all food produced is currently lost in the production process or wasted by consumers, resulting in a lot of unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. The plastic and chemical pollution of our seas is another grave problem. Here, the textiles industry is a key pollutant, while also engaging in highly unethical labour practices that put many lives at risk (The True Cost is a great documentary to watch– on Netflix – if you want to learn more about the fast fashion industry).
What’s the Goal? This goal is about achieving economic growth without the environmental degradation and social injustice that is the result of many industries today. This includes increasing resource efficiency, reducing consumption and waste, and considering the entire life cycle of products and services. Many experts now view a circular economy – where all resources stay within a closed loop – as an ideal and viable alternative to
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work towards. The move towards sustainable consumption and production patterns requires action on the part of leaders and businesses in envisioning a different future and driving innovation and technologies.
What can you do? Consumers can play a part by exercising pressure on leaders and businesses to drive these changes. For example, abstaining from fast fashion is a good way to exercise pressure on these brands to become more socially and environmentally sustainable. Instead, try buying second-hand, organize clothing swaps, buy from sustainable and local sources or mend and alter items you own. Consumers can also aim to reduce and recycle waste, and choose sustainable options wherever possible. Here are a couple simple sustainable swaps you could make: • Use a reusable bag rather than plastic bags for shopping. • Buy loose fruits and veg – you could even try shopping at a zero-waste store to entirely avoid plastic in your food shop. In Bournemouth we have Sunrise Organics and Almond & Co! • Carry a reusable water bottle and containers. • Try metal or glass alternatives to plastic straws.
Sustainable Development Goals