News
Six challenges to sustainable consumption in Asia
10 Nov 2011
A booklet sponsored by the European Union and written by
Consumers International (CI) and the SWITCH-Asia Network Facility
was launched during the 10th Asia Pacific Roundtable on Sustainable
Consumption and Production in Yogyakarta, Indonesia on 10 November
2011.
Middle class and poor consumers
The booklet 'Mainstreaming Sustainable Consumption in Asia'
looks at how the huge increases in consumption in Asia over the
next 20 years can be put on a sustainable path.
There are two major types of consumers in Asia - the growing
middle class and their rising global consumption patterns, and the
extremely poor, who in 18 Asia Pacific economies account for more
than 10% of the regional population.
Consumers in Asia will outnumber others
By 2030, Asia is projected to account for two-thirds of the 4.9
billion global middle class, which will equate to a larger
disposable income to drive consumption.
Consumers in Asia are also expected to represent the biggest
group of consumers in the world in 2030 with consumer spending
predicted to reach USD32 trillion.
With over 60% of the world population already in Asia, this
group of consumers is increasing at a rate of 1.2% yearly.
This will have major implications on global consumption and
production if Asian consumers consume like their counterparts in
developed countries.
Consumer perspective
The discussion in this booklet is presented from the consumer's
perspective and has two parts. One presents the challenges
consumers in Asia face in embracing sustainable consumption, and
the other presents solutions and opportunities.
The role of governments, businesses and consumer organisations
are emphasised.
Six challenges and opportunities
The booklet highlights solutions and opportunities to six main
challenges faced by consumers in Asia in embracing sustainable
consumption practices:
- limited access to green products and services
- lack of transparency and credibility
- low consumer awareness on low impact product use
- lack of appropriate waste infrastructure
- few take-back mechanisms, and
- no after-sales support.
These challenges are broken down into the three points where
consumers have to make decisions: what to buy, how to use, and how
to discard.
Special focus is made on three consumption areas: food, housing
and transport.
Consumer incentives
Among the solutions and opportunities presented in the booklet
is how governments can offer incentives to consumers who use green
products as well as how to implement policies to discontinue
unethical products in the market.
It also provides guidance on the role of non-governmental
organisations in educating consumers on ethical consumption.
The booklet concludes that collective action from
governments, businesses and consumers is needed for any of the
recommended suggestions and opportunities to work.
Download the booklet at the bottom of this
page.