Production and Consumption

Conversations:  Sustainability or emissions reduction initiatives or groups might already exist within your organization, or you might start one with other like-minded people. Whether you work in a small to large business, you can find out about what is happening and create discussions on reducing emissions, energy usage, food waste, and recycling.  In many cases, reducing emissions and waste can save money.

Spread the word: If you find a low or zero-net emissions product, or a service provider who is lowering their emissions and committed to at least 45% reductions by 2030, then you can tell your friends.

Establish a circular economy: The “take, make, waste” economy should be replaced with a circular economy. We can ask major brands to design products that they can be repaired, refurbished, reused, or taken apart and recycled. This means fewer natural resources are extracted because materials are used around and around the circular economy. For a step-by-step process, see the "Infographic - Establish a circular economy" in the downloads section.

Carbon labeling: We can ask manufacturers to have carbon labels that show the amount of greenhouse gas emissions created to make each product. Then a consumer could compare and work out which products have the highest and lowest emissions and then decide what to buy. See "Infographic - Set up carbon labeling" in downloads.

Product and service providers: Many brands have a presence on social media. You can go online and ask

them about reducing emissions by 2030. Let them know you think it’s important and they should do something about it. This could be for clothes, shoes, books, appliances, electronics, hardware, housewares, furniture, or office supplies, and in online stores. It’s good to be polite, but you can also be firm and let them know you are prepared to buy a different brand if they are unwilling to make positive change. This can also apply to service providers such as  streaming service, internet provider, gym, pet grooming, mechanic, sporting club, or doctor.

The download section has a list of ideas you can use in the file "Influence government and Industry - Production and Consumption".  You could take a single issue and adapt it to make it your own and fit your local circumstances. For example, there are sections for encouraging industry to replace polluting equipment with new zero-emissions options.

You could find out who is the state or national secretary for commerce or minister for industry (leaders might have different titles depending on where you live). You might meet with a state or national politician or contact them by phone, or email. You could do with friends, or find a local environmental or climate action group, by searching online.