Individual Assignment

This was a two-part assignment. The first part is a research text on a topic selected from the topics we discuss in the class aimed at academic audience. The second part is an “op ed” piece aimed at non-academic audience on the same topic.

For the research text, we had to select a topic or two from those we discuss in the class and engage with the theory and literature to zoom into what motivates them and the challenges they face.

We then had to produce a short op-ed piece based on the same topic(s) chosen above to exhibit our command and understanding over the topic, and drive home a persuasive message or a strong opinion.

Research Text

####Sustainable Consumption and the Challenges it Faces Sustainable consumption has emerged as a crucial concept in the conversation surrounding environmental conservation. In response to growing concerns about the depletion of natural resources and climate change, the idea of sustainable consumption advocates for responsible and mindful consumption patterns that minimise negative environmental impacts and leave adequate resources available for future generations.

Here I will analyse the current academic literature on various dimensions of sustainable consumption, its importance in mitigating environmental challenges, and the challenges to promote its adoption.

Sustainable consumption encompasses a holistic approach towards meeting human needs while ensuring the long-term health and vitality of the planet. It recognizes the correlation of environmental, social, and economic systems, and “has become a core policy objective of the new millennium in national and international arenas” (Seyfang. 2006). As consumption patterns continue to exert significant pressure on natural ecosystems and contribute to global ecological crises, there is a pressing need to transition towards more sustainable models of production and consumption.

####The Importance of Sustainable Consumption

Unsustainable consumption practices, characterized by overconsumption, waste generation, and resource depletion, contribute to pollution, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. Sustainable consumption aims to minimize these impacts by promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and pollution prevention. Making ground on these goals often relies heavily on technological solutions such as affordable energy supply without climate impacts, but there is no certainty that there will be adequate future inventions (Lorek and Spangenberg, 2014).

According to the United Nations our planet is running out of resources, while populations continue to grow, which is why it is essential that we all change our consumption habits to sustain the livelihoods of generations to come (United Nations, 2023). The continued rapid growth of Earth’s population has led to accelerated environmental degradation which is putting many of the systems we all rely on at risk. Unsustainable consumption can also perpetuate social inequalities by exploiting labor, violating human rights, and encouraging unfair trade practices. Sustainable consumption emphasizes fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical sourcing, promoting social justice and equity throughout supply chains.

####Challenges

Despite its significance, the adoption of sustainable consumption faces several challenges and barriers.

Consumer preferences, habits, and lifestyles often prioritize convenience, affordability, and status over sustainability considerations. Despite consumers showing increasing care about sustainable products and their consumption, actual changes to behaviour have proven very difficult to produce (McNeill & Moore, 2015). One reason for this lack of action could be the thought that making a real change requires a collective effort, and those who believe that making conscious decisions towards sustainable consumption has a notable impact are more motivated change their behaviour and consume sustainably (Hanss et al., 2016). Area of residence has also been shown to play a factor in people’s sustainable consumption practices (Kennedy, Krahn and Krogman, 2013), with those living in suburban areas being constricted in their ability to reduce consumption. Another one of the most prominent reasons for active sustainable consumption behaviour is simply knowledge and concern on the topic (Saari et al., 2021). There was been a massive push in recent years by governments and advocacy groups to spread information on the topic and grow public conviction in the cause, but there is still work to be done. Evidence has shown that these external influences through channels such as TV and radio can prompt consumers to search for more information of product life-cycles and empower them to contribute to the circular economy by repairing, reusing, and recycling products (Di Iorio et al., 2022).

These challenges are not just limited to consumers however, as suppliers and businesses have a part to play too. Most businesses main goal is to be economically profitable, which can cause tension between business growth and sustainable consumption of the products they produce (Jones, Hillier and Comfort, 2014). Companies also need to play their part through sustainable production practices. Energy and waste management appear to be the most common practices currently employed, but consideration also needs to be given to product recyclability, durability, and implementing a life-cycle approach to product design (Alayón, Säfsten and Johansson, 2017). However, evidence has shown that businesses who innovate in relation to the circular economy of their products can experience difficulty obtaining financial returns or even experience losses (Antonioli et al., 2022), which further enforces the difficulties experienced in attempting to encourage more companies to implement sustainable practices.

Conclusion

Sustainable consumption represents a fundamental shift towards more responsible and ethical ways of meeting human needs and aspirations. By integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into consumption patterns, we can build a more resilient and equitable future for present and future generations. However, achieving widespread adoption of sustainable consumption requires concerted efforts from policymakers, businesses, civil society, and individuals alike, to overcome the barriers and challenges that stand in the way of a sustainable future. Perhaps a reflection of the growing urgency to implement sustainable practices to save the environment was that the vast majority of papers related to this topic focus on the challenges associated and psychology behind why people are slow to take meaningful action, rather than discussing the importance of the policies themselves. However, there seems to be a growing trend in the amount of research into technologies and processes, as well as policies, that can positively impact sustainable consumption and production. Hopefully this continued investment into research on the topic will bring about the changes required to encourage a sustainable and long-lasting planet for us all.

Op-Ed Piece

In an era marked by increasing environmental degradation and mounting concerns over the depletion of natural resources, sustainable consumption emerges as not just a buzzword but a vital necessity. To me, it embodies a shift in mindset, urging us to reconsider our consumption patterns and prioritise the health of our planet for the well-being of current and future generations.

At its core, sustainable consumption is about finding a balance between meeting our needs and preserving the environment. It recognises the interconnected aspects of environmental, social, and economic systems, calling for a holistic approach to consumption. Effective solutions often require advances in technology to make more widespread changes to our habits, but we can’t just assume that these advancements will come. We need to act now, using the research and technology that we already have at our disposal. Thankfully it has become a central policy objective in both national and international circles, which highlights its importance in the face of pressing ecological challenges.

In my opinion, the urgency of adopting sustainable consumption practices cannot be overstated. Our planet is rapidly running out of resources, and with the global population continuing to grow, the strain on ecosystems is reaching critical levels (United Nations, 2023). The consequences of unsustainable consumption are dire, ranging from pollution and habitat destruction to social injustices and economic disparities, which is why we all need to act sooner rather than later to change our habits.

One of the greatest hurdles in promoting sustainable consumption lies in changing consumer behaviour. Despite growing awareness, many individuals still prioritise convenience and affordability over sustainability considerations, something which I know I am guilty of myself. However, research suggests that those who believe that the actions they take make a tangible difference to the cause are more likely to embrace sustainable consumption practices. Therefore, there’s a crucial need to empower consumers with knowledge and cultivate a deeper understanding of the consequences of their choices. I know there has recently been a much more noticeable push from organisations to encourage people to make better consumption decisions, such as the bottle return scheme in Ireland, but I think there needs to be a more widespread movement to change how we manage all of our day-to-day consumption, including food, clothing, and energy.

However, these challenges can’t all be blamed on consumers, and I think we have to constantly remind ourselves that businesses and producers have a large part to play too. While profit maximisation is often the main goal for businesses, sustainable production practices are imperative for the long-term viability of our resources. Companies must innovate and invest in sustainable solutions, even if they face short-term financial setbacks, in order to make the differences that our planet desperately needs. We as consumers need to work hand in hand with these businesses to ensure that the products we all consume have properly thought through through life cycles, including the use of recyclable materials and more durable construction. As consumers, you and I are the ones who have to continue to push businesses to produce more sustainably by making well-informed decisions and what products and companies we buy from.

Yet, despite these challenges, I can still see some hope. Research into sustainable consumption is growing, focusing not only on understanding the barriers but also on developing technological solutions and effective policies. This growing body of knowledge underscores a collective commitment to finding sustainable pathways forward and is an encouraging sign that we can still make a difference.