Urbanization, industrialization, consumerism, and the increase in the world population are the main causes of environmental pollution. Although the technology developed alongside industrialization has made daily life easier, it hasn’t shielded humanity from luxury and consumption frenzy. Today, consumption habits have turned into a disaster that threatens humanity and other living beings, with issues like environmental pollution, ozone layer depletion, global warming, and the loss of biodiversity.[1]
People realized the harms of reckless resource usage and consumer frenzy too late. Awareness of issues like the rapid extinction of species and the destruction of nature only began to form in the 1970s. Following this awareness, the concept of “sustainability” emerged to protect nature. The term sustainability was first used in the Brundtland Report by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987 and has since become a part of our lives.
Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, ensuring the quantity and quality of resources remain unaffected. With the escalating environmental problems today, the concept of sustainability has become more prominent, and its importance is increasingly understood by more people.[2]
There are challenges in achieving sustainability across various fields. From an ecological perspective, issues like global warming, resource scarcity, lack of clean water, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity are pressing; socially, problems like income inequality and the ensuing inability to meet basic needs are examples.
One of the biggest problems today is the irresponsible manner in which production and consumption are carried out. The levels of production and consumption are increasing daily, and if this continues, our resources will not only be insufficient to meet our needs but could be entirely depleted.
Over 80% of the world’s energy consumption is met by non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels. The limited nature of oil resources and the high cost of existing alternatives negatively affect the ecosystem, industry, and living conditions. Therefore, it’s crucial for production and consumption to be sustainable.[3]
In 2016, the United Nations established a 17-point sustainable development goal, which includes “responsible production and consumption.” This approach encompasses the entire lifecycle of products from production to use, reuse, recycling, and final disposal. Practices of responsible production and consumption are vital for addressing environmental issues like climate change, air and water pollution, and the depletion of material resources, while also ensuring a socially responsible and economically stable future.[4]
One of the main goals of this objective is the efficient use of resources, including waste reduction and energy conservation, which implies reducing the amount of resources consumed and maximizing reuse, as well as increasing the use of eco-friendly products. Another goal is to enhance social responsibility and ensure dignified and respectful treatment of workers in production, creating and improving humane working conditions.
Sustainable production and consumption are globally recognized goals. To achieve sustainability and leave a livable world for future generations, some countries have taken measures, developed new policies, and made progress in promoting responsible production and consumption.[5]
Germany is one example, having conducted significant work on renewable energy, resource efficiency, and sustainable production processes. The German government implemented various policies to support responsible production and consumption, including incentives for renewable energy use, regulations to reduce emissions, and investments in sustainable technologies. Additionally, many German companies have adopted sustainable business practices and led the development of eco-friendly products.[6]
Another example is Sweden, which has a long tradition of sustainability and has set ambitious goals alongside the United Nations objectives to reduce emissions and promote sustainable production processes. The Swedish government has implemented various policies to support sustainable production and consumption, including emission taxes and investments in renewable energy. Both countries have been largely successful in their implementations.[7]
Waste reduction and responsible consumption are closely linked. The production of goods results in waste, which, as mentioned, leads to the depletion of natural resources and increased pollution. Every product we purchase beyond our needs harms nature. Reducing waste is one of the most important and effective steps individuals can take.
To consume responsibly, we can choose eco-friendly and sustainable products, promote recycling, conserve energy and water, support companies with environmental responsibilities, and raise awareness. These methods will help us develop more environmentally sensitive consumption habits by increasing the efficient use of resources.
The world is in danger, and although efforts have been belatedly recognized and remain insufficient, there’s much work for state officials, governments, and individuals. In addition to taking steps to protect nature, states and individuals must engage in activities that raise awareness. Naturally, curtailing the frenzy of production and consumption is at the forefront of these steps.
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability
[3] S. Lorek ve D. Fuchs, “Strong Sustainable Consumption Governance-Precondition for a Degrowth Path?”, Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 38, January 2013, s. 36–43.
[6] https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/33f83767-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/33f83767-en
