The Hand Pulling the Rope: Responsible Consumption, a Mobilizing Commitment for a Sustainable World

Abstract

Responsible consumption, now more than ever, has become a necessity. It stems from people's growing awareness of the environmental and social impacts of production processes and rests on each consumer's responsible decisions. This requires clear, reliable information and an inquisitive attitude on the part of the individual. In particular, the environmental footprint — in its water, carbon, and ecological components — provides indications of the impact of consumption. To guide people toward responsible consumption, tools such as seals and certifications exist to support the efforts of producers and marketers. However, these instruments alone do not guarantee a real transformation of consumption patterns; political will is also needed to support producers committed to good production practices and to promote educational processes that will help transform our society's consumerist culture.