Fair & Sustainable: The Conscious Choice
‘‘We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”
— Howard Zinn
The Power of Consumer Choices in Shaping a Sustainable Future
In today’s world, consumers have the power to drive change through their everyday choices. Every product tells a story—a story of raw materials, the workers who create them, and the journey to the consumer. As the demand for eco-friendly and ethically sourced products rises, it’s clear that businesses must take responsibility for their fairness and sustainability initiatives.
Moving Beyond Recycling
According to the European Parliament, each person living in the EU generated 36.1 kilos of plastic packaging waste on average in 2021. The amount of plastic packaging waste produced per person grew by approximately 29%, or 8.1 kilograms per individual, between 2010 and 2021. We believe that the long-term solution lies not just in improving recycling rates, but in reducing the overall demand for packaging altogether. By opting for natural, biodegradable alternatives, we can minimise production and waste
The Global Foundation for Sustainability: The Brundtland Report
The growing concern for sustainability is emphasised by the 1987 Brundtland Report, commissioned by the United Nations, laid the foundation for modern interventions on sustainable development. It introduced the concept of development that meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This idea is now becoming universal across corporate sustainability strategies.
Concerns Rise Over Impact of Simplified CSRD Proposal on Sustainability Goals
At the time of writing this, the European Commission's move to simplify the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has stirred debate. While businesses may benefit from reduced regulatory requirements, environmental organisations like the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) warn that the proposal could severely undermine EU environmental goals. WWF highlights the exclusion of more than 80% of companies from the CSRD, arguing this will create gaps in data, impose additional burdens on businesses, limit access to sustainable finance, and will impact economic growth.
How Consumers and Businesses Can Drive Sustainable Growth
As consumers, we have the power to contribute to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by supporting businesses that prioritize sustainable sourcing and ethical practices. By choosing products that are responsibly made and traded, we help reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote a more sustainable future. At the same time, companies are increasingly expected to contribute to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. By adopting fair trade practices, businesses not only improve employee welfare and ensure fair wages but also build brand loyalty and trust.
Exploring Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
At newtrition, we are exploring a sustainable future by focusing on the balance between environmental, social, and economic factors. Through our ongoing research, we are actively seeking partnerships with like-minded organisations to create innovative solutions that promote sustainability across all sectors. Together, we can drive positive change and build a better, more sustainable world for future generations.