Leapfrogging Possibilities For Sustainable Consumption and ...

3 Sustainable consumption and
production (SCP)
3.1 Definitions
Sustainable consumption (SC) is defined as “the use of goods and services that respond
to basic needs and bring a better qualify of life, while minimizing the use of natural
resources, toxic materials and emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle, so as
not to jeopardize the needs of future generations.” 23
Sustainable consumption and production are interlinked. WBCSD 24 looks at SCP from
the perspective of who is involved saying that:
"Sustainable production and consumption involves business, government, communities
and households contributing to environmental quality through the efficient production
and use of natural resources, the minimization of wastes, and the optimization of
products and services."
Sustainable production and sustainable consumption have different areas of emphasis.
The focus of sustainable production is on the supply side of the equation, focusing on
improving environmental performance in key economic sectors, such as agriculture,
energy, industry, tourism and transport 25 . Sustainable consumption addresses the demand
side, looking at how the goods and services required to meet basic needs and improve
quality of life - such as food and health, shelter, clothing, leisure and mobility - can be
delivered in ways that reduce the burden on the Earth's carrying capacity. 26
Recent discussions have taken up sustainable consumption part. According to a document
on consumption issues in Europe and Asia, sustainable consumption should be
understood as a situation where consumer needs and demands are fulfilled in an as
efficient and resource lean way as possible, resulting in a minimized negative
environmental, social and economic impact 27 . The same document underscores improved
quality of life for all consumers as the ultimate goal of sustainable consumption.
UNEP defines sustainable consumption as the use of services and related products which
respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while minimizing the use of
natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over
the life cycle so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations 28 .
23 IISD (2007)
24 Falkman (1996?)
25 Robins and Roberts(1997)
26
ibid
27
UNEP (2005)
28 UNEP (2004a)
22