Responsible Consumption: Your Contribution to the Green Economy
Our individual consumption plays a key role in efforts to green the economy. Our consumption patterns and levels have a significant impact on the environment and can contribute to its deterioration in the same way as production processes. In this article, we explore how our consumption choices can influence the green economy and what common myths need to be considered.
Consumption and Environmental Impact
The negative effects of unsustainable consumption can be divided into three major areas: housing, transport and food. These three areas account for 75-80% of the environmental impact of households:
- Housing: House heating accounts for 30% of the environmental impact in this category. Excessive consumption of energy and resources in the housing sector can lead to resource depletion and environmental pollution.
- Transport: Personal cars and flights contribute 30% to environmental impact. Choosing sustainable transport, such as cycling or public transport, can significantly reduce this contribution.
- Food: Consumption of meat and dairy generates about 25% of the environmental impact. Intensive agriculture and food processing can contribute to resource depletion and deforestation.
Responsible Consumption and the Challenges of Greening the Economy
Unsustainable consumption is often underpinned by factors such as the desire for continued economic growth, advertising that encourages over-consumption and efficient production models that lower prices and stimulate consumption. Current consumer policies often focus on consumer protection and are voluntary in nature, while economic and regulatory policy is less often used to promote sustainable consumption. Technology also plays an important role, influencing consumption levels by increasing efficiency, but also generating new needs.
Common Myths About Individual Consumption and Environmental Impact There are some common myths about individual consumption and its impact on the environment:
Myth 1: Green Consumption is the Solution
Although green consumption can help reduce environmental impacts, it cannot be seen as the only solution. A deeper change is needed in our consumption habits and in the mentality that we can consume just as much without negative consequences.
Myth 2: If Everyone Does a Little, We'll Get a Lot
Small individual changes are important, but they are not enough to solve complex environmental problems. Large-scale action by industry and policy makers is also needed to create meaningful change.
Myth 3: Private Ownership of All Types of Products is Desirable
The choice between private ownership and resource sharing is complex and depends on the context.
Advantages of private ownership:
1. Household and investment: When people privately own resources, they have a vested interest in their efficient management and maintenance. This can lead to more investment in improving and developing resources.
2. Market efficiency: Private ownership can promote economic efficiency because markets can match prices and quantities to supply and demand, which can manage resources more efficiently.
Advantages of sharing resources:
1. Circular economy: Sharing resources can lead to a more efficient use of resources, reducing waste and promoting recycling. This can make a significant contribution to conserving natural resources and reducing environmental impacts.
2. Affordability: Sharing resources can make certain goods and services more accessible to people who could not afford them individually. For example, car sharing or shared housing can reduce costs for each participant.
3. Community and collaboration: Sharing resources can foster a spirit of community and collaboration between people, as they need to work together to manage and share resources.
The decision to choose between private ownership and resource sharing should take into account society’s goals and values as well as the specific characteristics of the resources in question. Often, a mixed or hybrid approach, combining elements of both, can be the most effective way to strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection.
Myth 4: Consumers Should Lead the Move Towards Sustainability
The role of consumers is important, but large-scale change requires government intervention, coherent policies and regulation.
Actions for Environmentally Conscious Consumers
Environmentally conscious consumers can take many steps to make more sustainable choices:
- Choosing Sustainable Transport: Opt for cycling, public transport or walking instead of using your personal car, especially for short distances.
- Reduced Consumption: Reduce your overall level of consumption by buying only what you really need and avoiding unnecessary or disposable products
If you would like to learn more about this topic, we invite you to take the online course “Our Future: Sustainable Development – Responsible and conscious choices in everyday life”.
The #21VNDS course is free and can be accessed by anyone interested in topics such as the basics of sustainability, individual-level change, sustainability in business and sustainable cities.
https://21st.greentury.org/viitorul-nostru-dezvoltarea-sustenabila/
The project “Our Future: Sustainable Development” is funded through the Start NGO program, launched by Kaufland Romania and implemented by the Act for Tomorrow Association.
#StartONG #InvolvementMakesDifference #KauflandRomania #ActforTomorrow #abovethepeople #21VNDS
