Key Points:
- Meaning of sustainability
- Ways business can be sustainable
- What consumers can do to help drive social responsibility
In recent years, there has been an increase in dialogue about caring for the environment and the importance of preventing the increase in global warming and its pollution. The idea of recycling to take care of the planet is excellent but it is no longer enough. Sustainability needs to be at the forefront of our actions. To better understand this, it is important to know the meaning of the word “sustainable,” which is an adjective that indicates something that can be supported by itself with sufficient reasons to prevent its extinction.
In the 1950s, the environment began to change due to World War II, it was not until 1987 that the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (UNWCED) published a report defining and coining the definition of sustainable development. This alerts the world about the need for progress and economic development.
What is considered a sustainable company? According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNTAD), a sustainable business is “one that leaves the environment, at the end of each accounting period, equal to or better than at the beginning of it”.
The objectives of this change aimed at the progress suitable for all have been drawn up by the United Nations Commission for International Trade Law to support the Sustainable Development Goals. Its contribution to the achievement of the goals addresses several differences and interrelated areas. (UNCITRAL, 2020)
Below are 17 objectives companies can take to improve sustainability:
1. End Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Health and well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
10. Reduction of Inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate action
14. Underwater Life
15. Life of terrestrial ecosystems
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships to Achieve the Goals
These not only encourages responsibility, but they can also bring with it a series of benefits for being a sustainable company, trade, or brand. This is because more and more consumers are looking for brands that are committed to the environment. (Alarcon, 2020)
It is possible to observe several ways in which businesses should and can be sustainable. It’s important to be an informed owner of a company and implement effective sustainable advancements to help improve our environment. Taking no action is no longer acceptable. Lastly, as an individual consumer, you should research, sponsor, and/or buy from companies that have a proactive and effective sustainability plan. Taking a passive approach is just as bad as taking no action. Stay informed, be proactive, and educate others on what they can do to help. Visit our Ecophoria® page to learn about our mission to be and to do better.
Resources:
Alarcon, V. (2020, April 11) Ser sustentable en 2020: clave para evitar el fracaso de las empresas. Retrieved from http://ccnews.com.ar/prensa/ser-sustentable-en-2020-clave-para-evitar-el-fracaso-de-las-empresas/
Juncos, M. (n.d.). Sobre el desarollo sustentable. Retrieved from http://www.anagmendez.net/cupey/pdf/cedes_presentacion_des_sust.pdf
La IMPORTANCIA DEL DESARROLLO Sustentable. (2019, April 15). Retrieved from https://www.emprendices.co/la-importancia-del-desarrollo-sustentable/
Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible | Comisión de las NACIONES Unidas para El DERECHO Mercantil internacional. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://uncitral.un.org/es/about/sdg
Significado de sustentable. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://www.significados.com/sustentable/
Sin Comillas (2019, October 2) ¿Cumple Puerto Rico Con Los 17 Objetivos De Desarrollo Sostenible De Naciones Unidas? Retrieved from https://sincomillas.com/cumple-puerto-rico-con-los-17-objetivos-de-desarrollo-sostenible-de-naciones-unidas/
Sustainable development goals (2021) – retrieved from: https://sdg.data.gov/es/affordable-and-clean-energy/
