SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. This goal addresses the need to reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. It is a call to action for governments, businesses, and individuals to adopt more sustainable practices to ensure a healthy planet for future generations. 

Sustainable Consumption: Tackling Food Waste from Farm to Fork

The targets under SDG 12 focus on various aspects of sustainability. One key target is to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels by 2030, as well as reduce food losses along production and supply chains. This is crucial, given that approximately one-third of all food produced globally is wasted, which has significant economic, environmental, and social impacts. 

Towards a Greener Future: Promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production

Another important target is to achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle. This includes significantly reducing their release into the air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse effects on human health and the environment. Proper waste management and recycling are vital components of this target, promoting a circular economy where products and materials are reused and recycled, reducing the demand for raw materials. 

The goal also emphasizes the necessity for sustainable business practices. It calls for companies, especially large and transnational corporations, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle. This transparency helps consumers make informed choices and encourages companies to be more accountable for their environmental impact. 

Public awareness and education play a critical role in achieving it. By 2030, it aims to ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature. Education on sustainability can empower individuals to make more eco-friendly choices, contributing to a broader cultural shift towards sustainability. 

In summary, SDG 12 is about fostering a sustainable world where consumption and production are balanced with the planet’s capacity to support life. Achieving this goal requires coordinated efforts from all sectors of society to adopt practices that protect our environment and ensure resources are available for future generations. 

WSA Winners for SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production