Responsible consumption - an attitude that involves making well-reasoned decisions about the products we buy by taking into consideration their environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Consumers commited to this model are informed individuals who seek to minimize the environmental footprint of their actions and have a positive impact on society.

<aside> 💡 From 2000 to 2019 the total consumption of all resources in the world increased by more than 65% and in 2019 amounted to 95.1 billion metric tons.

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<aside> 💡 About 90% of countries report that sustainable development and global citizenship education are at least partially integrated into national education laws and policies.

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<aside> 💡 It is estimated that in 2020 13.3% of the world's food was lost after harvest and before reaching retail markets.

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<aside> 💡 It is estimated that 17% of all food available to consumers is wasted at the household, food service and retail levels.

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How can I help as a consumer?

There are two main ways to help:

1. Reducing your waste
2. Being thoughtful about what you buy and choosing a sustainable option whenever possible.
3. Purchasing products by weight or in bulk to reduce the use of packaging

Why do we need to change the way we consume?

1. Economic and social progress over the last century has been accompanied by environmental degradation that is endangering the very systems on which our future development and very survival depend.
2. A successful transition will mean improvements in resource efficiency, consideration of the entire life cycle of economic activities, and active engagement in multilateral environmental agreements.

When it comes to addressing excessive consumption, sustainable purchasing is guided by the following principles:

• Reduction: The aim is to limit consumption, while assessing the need for certain purchases.
• Energy efficiency: Consumers also seek efficient, low-consumption products that can be reused or recycled.
• Sustainability: Finally, consumers check that the components don't have a negative effect on the environment once the the item reaches its useful life.