Sustainability should not only be in the slogan of a brand, but it must reach ground-level

Sustainability was defined as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” by the United Nations Brundtland Commission in 1987. Nearly 140 developing nations are currently looking for solutions to meet their development needs, but given the growing threat posed by climate change, significant steps must be taken to guarantee that progress today does not hurt future generations.

 “Environment is something which belongs to you and me and is also a part of our ecosystem. The consumer is not aware in India as compared to the Western part of the world about sustainability. Education plays a very important role in this so a consumer can make the right choice and it will also help them to make aware about sustainability,” said Dr Sameer Joshi, Vice Chairman, Indian Plastics Institute.

On consumer education and awareness in driving a sustainable future Shilpashree Muniswamappa, Director – ESG & Communications, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd. said, “Research and study shows that a lot of youngsters are open to looking sustainable and organic solutions. They seem to adapt sustainable solutions faster”. But there is also another survey that was done globally that says people are ready to pay more for buying organic things, but in reality, they just say and don’t buy it.

Dr Prof. Anand Achari, Principal at Vivekanand Education College of Architecture said, “Sustainability is not only about a product. It should go from an individual to the country. So, you have a micro level of looking up to things and a macro level. When we move from micro to macro it’s about lifestyle and living a sustainable life”. Traditional and cultural methods, which are deep-rooted, and come from deeper thinking, are sustainable.

Sustainability should not only be in the slogans of a brand but it must reach ground level.