The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) focuses on responsible consumption and production patterns. This goal includes implementing sustainable consumption and production programs, achieving the efficient use of natural resources, reducing food waste and losses, managing chemicals and wastes in an environmentally sound manner, reducing waste generation through prevention and recycling, encouraging sustainable practices in companies and their reporting, promoting sustainable public procurement, raising awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles, strengthening scientific and technological capacity in developing countries, monitoring sustainable impacts in tourism, and rationalizing inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies to minimize their environmental impacts and protect the poor and affected communities, all while taking into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries.
Responsible consumption and production are confronted by pressing challenges. Excessive waste generation and poor waste management practices strain ecosystems and contribute to pollution. Unsustainable resource extraction and consumption patterns deplete finite resources, exacerbating environmental degradation. Encouraging sustainable lifestyles that prioritize durability, recycling, and reduced consumption is vital. Overcoming these challenges requires a shift towards circular economies, where waste is minimized, resources are managed efficiently, and individuals adopt more mindful, eco-conscious consumption habits, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and balanced relationship between society and the environment.
Below are some organizations making contributions to responsible consumption and production.
Advocacy and Policy Change
Surfrider Foundation – Works to protect oceans and coastlines from plastic pollution through research, education, and advocacy, promoting policies that reduce plastic waste and protect marine ecosystems.
Circular Economy and Resource Recovery
TerraCycle – Collects and recycles traditionally non-recyclable waste like cigarette butts and coffee pods, promoting resource recovery and reducing landfill waste.
Loop Industries – Develops technology to convert plastic waste into virgin-quality plastic, aiming to close the loop on plastic production and consumption.
Too Good to Go – Connects restaurants and stores with consumers to sell surplus food at a discount, reducing food waste and promoting affordability.
BioGrüne – Converts food waste into organic fertilizer and renewable energy, giving food waste a second life and contributing to a circular economy.
Wasteless – Provides affordable waste-to-energy solutions, converting plastic waste into clean energy and reducing pollution.
Ethical Fashion and Sustainable Materials
Everlane – Offers ethically-made clothing with radical transparency, providing consumers with information about the production process and ensuring fair labor practices.
Patagonia – Produces durable and sustainable outdoor apparel, focusing on recycled materials and responsible manufacturing, and promotes ethical consumerism and environmental activism.
Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
SunCulture – Offers solar-powered water pumps and irrigation systems to farmers, increasing agricultural productivity and efficiency while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
AquaYa – Provides affordable solar-powered water purification systems to rural communities, offering safe drinking water and reducing the need for bottled water.
Sustainable Fashion and Textiles
Nudie Jeans – Offers durable jeans with lifetime repair and free returns, promoting clothing longevity and reducing textile waste.
The Renewal Project – Offers a platform for buying and selling pre-loved designer clothing, reducing the environmental impact of fashion consumption.
Sustainable Food Systems and Food Waste Reduction
Imperfect Foods – Delivers ugly or misshapen produce that would otherwise be discarded, reducing food waste and offering affordable, fresh food options.
ReFED – Works to prevent food waste throughout the supply chain through research, advocacy, and innovative solutions, promoting more sustainable and efficient food systems.
Sustainable Packaging and Products
Ecovative Design – Produces biodegradable and compostable packaging materials made from mycelium, replacing plastic packaging and reducing waste.
FREItag – Creates bags and accessories from recycled truck tarpaulins, giving waste materials a new life and promoting sustainable product design.
Technology and Data for Responsible Consumption
Thinkup – Uses AI and data analytics to help businesses optimize their resource use and reduce their environmental impact.
OpenIDEO – A crowdsourcing platform that connects innovators with challenges related to sustainable consumption and production, fostering collaboration and generating solutions.
Technology for Sustainable Production
Skupos – Provides AI-powered tools that help businesses optimize their supply chains and reduce waste, promoting resource efficiency and responsible production practices.
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns) is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Read a review of innovative organizations working across other SDGs.
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