SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

     

   Sustainable consumption and production aim at “doing more and better with less.” Sustainable development 12 ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. This goal is vital as we work to increase access and standard of living while, creating a more sustainable world, Right now we face many issues regarding this topic. From 2000 to 2010, total domestic material consumption rose from 58.7 tonnes to 71 billion times. This represents a problem because some of this increase is from the rising use of natural resources. As we strive for sustainable development and economic growth is important we decrease our use of natural resources and minimize generated waste and pollutants. Changing our consumption and production patterns also directly affects people, not just the environment. 

   Did you know 1.3 billion tons of food goes to waste every year while 1 billion people go hungry and another 1 billion nourished? There are 11 targets of SDG 12. They range in purpose and scope to break down the main goal into its most basic parts. For example, one target to achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources like timber, oil and water. Another target is directed more education, to make sure this is all possible. It reads, by 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyle harmony with nature.

   Sustainable development 12 focus more on three important elements which are water, food and energy. More than 1 billion people do not have access to freshwater. This is because excessive use of water contributes to the water global stress. For energy, households consume 29 per cent of global energy and consequently contribute to 21 per cent of resultant CO2 emissions. Sustainable consumption and production are about promoting energy efficiency and resources, sustainable infrastructure and access to core services, green and decent jobs and improving everyone's quality of life. On the other hand, overconsumption of food is detrimental to our health and the environment. Not only by growing our economies will sustainable development be achieved but also by minimising waste. Development is reversed by the growth that contaminates the environment.

                                  

    Sustainable consumption is the idea that while responding to our basic needs.  It is still possible to go for options with minimal impact on the global environment and on the situation of future generations. For instance, when buying something, we can follow the five Rs by asking a question to ourselves,  1 is to refuse, "Do I really need this?" 2. Reduce, "Do I need this much?" 3. Reuse, "Do I have to throw it away now?" 4. Repurpose, "Can I use this for another purpose?" and 5. Recycle, can the materials be used for something else?" Yet, the vast majority of us do not favour the most sustainable option when purchasing goods or services. 

   To achieve economic growth and sustainable development we urgently need to reduce our ecological footprint by changing our manner in which products and resources are produced and consumed. We can also start using natural resources more efficiently. One way of doing this is to move away from linear consumption and production targets. Besides, to achieve this goal, we need also efficient management of our common natural resources and the way we handle toxic waste and pollutants. It is equally important that industry, business and consumers are encouraged to recycle and reduce waste, as is that developing countries are encouraged to move to more sustainable consumption patterns by 2030.

   From this topic, I  know that to achieve comprehensive development we must cooperate with each other to reduce degradations and pollutants. The challenges of this issue are actually because of the lack of awareness. Every person has to increase awareness about this and take responsibility together to get the best results. It is a crucial topic when we discuss consumption and production responsibilities because nowadays many people do not take this matter seriously. If everyone plays a role, we will achieve the best results in the end. I would like to give an example of what I have done to contribute to this SDG Goal. for instance,  I had done my recycling last week. After learning about the importance of sustainability, I thought I need to change my actions. Recycle is actually important to do because it helps to protect the environment.                                   

    To achieve this goal I can also donate what I do not use for example clothes, books or furniture. By donating to other people, we also contribute to other goals aiming towards no poverty, zero hunger and reducing inequalities. Shop second hand, use a refillable water bottle and also use reusable cloth bags rather than plastic. All these are simple steps for us to practice to contribute towards the achievement of responsible consumption and production. 

    

                       

  Thus, what I have learned from this is that we must together change our attitude and behaviour to achieve the real purpose of SDG 12. just like stated in the target, by 2030, ensure that people everywhere have relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyle in harmony with nature. So it is mean, we must always improve our level of awareness to make sure the achievement of this goal. The impact of this kind of sustainable way of life goes further than the preservation of the natural resources of the earth, which can help reduce the growing gap between rich and poor.

Reference :

https://jointsdgfund.org/sustainable-development-goals/goal-12-responsible-consumption-production