34 SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production – Team 34

Team Reflection

Exploring Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 has profoundly influenced our group’s understanding of sustainability and its implications for businesses and communities. Initially, our perspectives were broad, assuming that sustainable actions primarily affected distant communities rather than our immediate surroundings. However, delving into SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and studying various AIM2FLOURISH stories associated with it revealed how relevant sustainability initiatives are to our own communities.

First and foremost, we recognize that SDG 12 addresses pressing global challenges related to consumption patterns and production processes (Chan, 2018). In today’s world, unsustainable consumption and production practices are driving environmental degradation, exacerbating resource scarcity, and contributing to social inequalities. Through our discussions and research, we have gained a profound appreciation for the urgency of addressing these issues. Moreover, our exploration of SDG 12 has highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors. We have come to understand that achieving sustainable consumption and production requires a holistic approach that considers the environmental impact of resource extraction, manufacturing processes, and waste management, as well as the social implications for workers’ rights, community well-being, and consumer behavior. One key insight that has emerged from our discussions is the pivotal role of businesses in driving positive change towards sustainable consumption and production. We discovered that businesses like Patagonia, Loop Industries, Unilever, and Interface are actively addressing SDG 12 through their innovative approaches to production and consumption.w

One common theme among these companies is their commitment to creating shared value between business, society, and the planet. For instance, Patagonia’s focus on sustainable sourcing and fair labor practices not only aligns with SDG 12 but also promotes responsible consumption habits among consumers. Similarly, Loop Industries’ technology for plastic recycling contributes to waste reduction, directly addressing SDG 12 targets.

Moreover, Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan exemplifies how a multinational corporation can integrate sustainability into its business model, promoting responsible consumption and production across its diverse product portfolio. Interface Inc., through its circular economy framework, demonstrates how businesses can minimize waste and promote sustainable practices in manufacturing.

Reflecting on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, “Responsible Consumption and Production,” our team embarked on a journey through the lens of this goal, exploring how businesses can act as catalysts for sustainable change. The narratives of Jejaring Craft, the multifunctional wedding invitation card by Viebee, and Osho Industries provided us with

tangible examples of how innovation and sustainability can intertwine to forge pathways towards more sustainable cities and communities.

What
Jejaring Craft’s initiative with eco-printing on various textiles introduces a novel approach to minimizing waste, emphasizing the value of collaboration and the empowerment of local communities through sustainable practices. Meanwhile, Viebee’s transformation of wedding invitations from single-use paper products to reusable spun-bond material invites reflect on the necessity of rethinking our consumption habits. Osho Industries stands as a beacon of innovation in the polythene industry, pivoting towards biodegradable solutions and promoting environmental consciousness within the community. Each story, unique in its context, shares a common thread of commitment to sustainability and responsible production, prompting us to reassess our relationship with consumption and the potential of businesses to lead by example.

So What?
These stories resonate deeply with the academic knowledge we’ve garnered about sustainability, the triple bottom line, and corporate accountability. Jejaring Craft and Osho Industries, with their emphasis on minimizing waste and promoting biodegradable materials, underscore the practical application of circular economy principles. Viebee’s innovative wedding invitations challenge the norm of one-time-use paper goods, offering a sustainable alternative that aligns with our understanding of responsible consumption. These initiatives not only reinforce our pre-existing knowledge but also fill gaps in our understanding of how diverse the applications of sustainability can be in a business context. The stories of these enterprises met, and at times, exceeded our assumptions of what businesses can and should do to champion sustainability.

Now What?
As emerging business professionals, these insights into SDG 12 through the lens of Jejaring Craft, Viebee, and Osho Industries serve as a powerful reminder of the role we can play in advocating for and implementing sustainable practices. The concept of a circular economy, the importance of sustainable production methods, and the empowerment of communities through responsible business practices are principles we intend to carry forward into our future careers. We envision ourselves not just as businesspeople but as champions for sustainability, equipped with the knowledge and inspiration from these stories to influence positive change within our industries. The exploration of these AIM2Flourish stories has solidified our commitment to pursuing business strategies that prioritize the planet and its people, aiming to contribute to a world where sustainable practices are not the exception but the norm.

Our team’s multicultural backgrounds enriched our analysis, allowing us to appreciate the universal relevance of SDG 12 while recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities presented in different contexts. The stories of Jejaring Craft, Viebee, and Osho Industries illustrated the global nature of sustainability challenges and the innovative solutions that can arise from diverse perspectives. Our coursework in sustainability, ethics, and business provided a solid foundation for our discussions, enabling us to critically evaluate the innovations and their broader implications.

Throughout our collaboration, we faced challenges related to coordinating across time zones and managing varying schedules. However, our shared commitment to understanding and promoting sustainability in business practices motivated us to overcome these obstacles. We divided tasks based on interest and expertise, ensuring that each member could contribute meaningfully to our collective output. This process not only enhanced our project but also deepened our appreciation for the power of teamwork in addressing complex global issues.

Reflecting on our journey exploring SDG 12 through these stories, we recognize the profound impact that informed, committed, and collaborative efforts can have on promoting responsible consumption and production. Our exploration has not only broadened our academic understanding but has also inspired us to integrate these principles into our future endeavors, aiming to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Our discussions highlighted the significance of a circular economy framework in achieving SDG 12 objectives. By reintegrating materials into the value chain and reducing waste, businesses can play a pivotal role in fostering sustainability. This perspective shift towards prioritizing societal well-being over profit underscores the transformative potential of businesses in creating a more sustainable world. Despite our diverse cultural backgrounds, we share a common belief in the power of businesses to drive positive change. Our coursework provided us with theoretical frameworks and critical thinking skills that facilitated our analysis of business sustainability practices. Additionally, our cross-cultural understanding enhanced our collaborative efforts, enriching our discussions with diverse viewpoints.

Throughout our collaboration, effective task delegation and mutual support were crucial in overcoming challenges such as conflicting schedules and time zone differences. Our dedication to the project’s success enabled us to navigate these hurdles successfully, ensuring the completion of tasks to high standards.

In conclusion, our exploration of SDG 12 has broadened our perspectives on sustainability
and business ethics. Through the lens of companies like Patagonia, Loop Industries, Unilever, and Interface, we’ve witnessed how businesses can drive positive social and environmental
change while also thriving economically. Moving forward, we remain committed to
advocating for sustainable practices and leveraging the potential of businesses to contribute to a more sustainable future.

References

Beauchamp, E., Marsac, C., Brooks, N., D’Errico, S., & Benson, N. (2022). SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production. In From what works to what will work: Integrating climate risks into sustainable development evaluation — a practical guide (pp. 125–128). International Institute for Environment and Development. http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep43052.24

Beyond Profit, Beyond Plastic: A Leader’s Impact https://aim2flourish.com/innovations/beyond-profit-beyond-plastic-a-leaders-impact

Chan, S., Weitz, N., Persson, Å., & Trimmer, C. (2018). SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production. A review of research needs. Technical annex to the formas report forskning för agenda, 2030.
https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/review-sdg12-research-needs-final.pdf

ECO PRINT FOR RESPONSIBLE FASHION AND CRAFTS
https://aim2flourish.com/innovations/eco-print-for-responsible-fashion-and-crafts

Khan, R., Thwaites, N., Williams, H., McLennon, M., O’Connor, D., Roberts, A., Browne, K., Daniels, D., Francis, C., Hall, K., Sparkes, K., & Bailey, A. (2018). Community-based Approaches and Measuring the SDGs. Social and Economic Studies, 67(4), 67–93. http://www.jstor.org/stable/45204454

Multifunctional Wedding Invitation Card https://aim2flourish.com/innovations/multifunctional-wedding-invitation-card

Schmidt-Traub, G. (2015). Investment Needs to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals: Understanding the Billions and Trillions. Sustainable Development Solutions Network. http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep15864