Sustainable Consumption

In order to realize the full importance of fair trade, we must first take a look at ourselves as consumers and the role that we play in global consumption. Consumption refers to the purchasing and/or use of resources and goods, both natural and man-made. As living beings, we are constantly consuming resources throughout our daily lives - eating, commuting to work, checking email, showering, and even simply sitting around watching television.

While consumption is a necessary aspect of life - all living things must consume in order to survive - not all consumption is threatening or harmful to the environment. Sustainable consumption is the "use of services and related products which respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over the life-cycle so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations." (UN CSD International Work Programme, adopted in 1995).

Why Consumption Matters

Consumption has been steadily increasing in industrial countries during the last 50 years. According to the UN Human Development Report of 1998:

	The burning of fossil fuels has almost quintupled since 1950.
	The consumption of fresh water has almost doubled since 1960.
	The marine catch has increased fourfold.
	Wood consumption, both for industry and for household fuel, is now 40% higher than it was 25 years ago.

This steady increase in consumption has been putting a heavy strain on the environment, which is overwhelming the earth's natural defense mechanisms. We are seeing a decrease in forest size and fish stocks, and an increase in soil degradation and desertification. Additionally, pollution and waste are being produced beyond what the earth is able to absorb, making it even more important for us to monitor and reduce our rate of consumption.

We must also consider who is doing the majority of the consuming. As the UN Human Development Report explains, "Inequalities in consumption are stark. Globally, the 20% of the world's people in the highest-income countries account for 86% of total private consumption expenditures - the poorest 20% a miniscule 1.3%."

The report goes on to state that the richest 20% of the population:

	Consume 45% of all meat and fish, the poorest fifth 5%.
	Consume 58% of total energy, the poorest fifth less than 4%.
	Have 74% of all telephone lines, the poorest fifth 1.5%.
	Consume 84% of all paper, the poorest fifth 1.1%.
	Own 87% of the world's vehicles, the poorest fifth less than 1%.

This growing imbalance is creating harmful socio-cultural impacts, with the poor bearing the most severe costs.

Travel as Consumption

Travel is inextricably linked to consumption, as the entire travel experience relies on various types of consumption: transportation, lodging, food, recreational activities, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. Additionally, tourism is arguably the largest industry in the world and therefore, has a huge global impact.

Viewing travel from the perspective of consumption can change the entire experience of traveling. It can help bring to light the real costs of personal actions, and can help us to make more positive decisions. There are many small things travelers can do that can have a big impact:

	Offset your carbon dioxide emissions at www.carbonneutral.travel.
	Before leaving home, make sure you won't be consuming unnecessary resources while you're gone. Unplug all electronics, reduce the heat on the hot water tank, and lower the thermostat.
	Choose reputable, certified eco-friendly lodging and tour operators. Before you book, ask them what they're doing for the environment and the local community.
	Learn about the culture and customs of your host country, and respect them while abroad. Learn a few words in the local language. Ask permission before taking photos. Be sensitive to other issues that may arise unexpectedly.
	Support the local community. Purchase locally produced products at a fair price, attend local events, frequent locally owned businesses and restaurants.
	Walk, bike, or take public transportation. If you must rent a car, choose the most fuel-efficient model available.
	Reuse the same towels and linens during your hotel stay, and focus on conserving resources - like water and electricity - during your stay.
	Bring a water filter and try to avoid purchasing disposable consumable products that can't be recycled in the local communities you visit.
	Bring your own toiletries as well and help to avoid creating excess waste from disposable and travel-sized products provided by many hotels.
	Speak up! Businesses listen to their customers, so let them know what you think of their environmental and socio-cultural practices.

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