SUSTAINABILITY

The United Nations has set the sustainability goals that are aimed to be achieved by the end of 2030, and giant companies have heeded this universal call for action. This has brought competition between companies. The mucilage problem currently experienced in the Marmara Sea can be shown as an example of one of the purposes, "Responsible Production and Consumption". The expression "Don't give me fish, teach me how to fish" has turned into "Leave me a sea to fish" with the mucilage issue coming up today. The emergence of this discourse clearly reveals the importance of sustainability from past to present.

Automobile companies are aware that the transition to electric vehicles that can be charged with renewable energy sources is not just a desire, but a necessity. To achieve stable economic growth and sustainable development, consumption, as well as production, plays a role in sustainable development. Reducing consumption, prolonging the life of a manufactured product, and wastage caused by unconscious consumption are among the issues to be considered.

Generally, the main source of plastic is leftovers from oil refineries. Only 4% of the total oil produced in the world is used for plastic production. Plastic bags are produced from only 3% of this. Despite all the investments and efforts made for recycling, the recycling rate of plastic waste is below 10%.

So, how can consumers contribute to sustainable living? How effective are the recommendations shown in the news, such as turning off the water while brushing teeth or shaving, and not running the dishwasher and washing machine before it is full when the dam fullness rates continue to decrease? According to the Water Footprint Report of the World Wide Fund for Nature, nearly 90% of the total water used in Turkey is used for agricultural irrigation. We consume only a part of the remaining 10% in our homes. The majority of this 90% share is in the clothing and textile sector. Considering that 2700 liters of water is consumed on an average for cotton growth, it is not enough just to pay attention to the tap water in our houses. We also need to take some of our consumption habits into account. 

Since our share in sustainable development steps is low, can't we live without paying attention? The target audience of companies that play a major role in this regard is us, consumers. As the consumption habits of the consumers change, the habits of the producers will also change. The video "Save Ralph the Rabbit" had a huge impact on social media. After the reaction of the consumers to the video, the thought that “Cruelty-Free” products might explode on the shelves where personal care products are sold prompted the manufacturers.

“Sustainability” is in our hands, both directly and indirectly. One of the few things that can be done in this regard is to encourage manufacturers by choosing the products of companies that attach importance to recycling and sustainability and not to use the products of companies that do not want to take a step towards sustainable developments. Everyone should pay attention to the issue of sustainability to “leave a sea to fish” for future generations.

K e r e m  A T İ LA