Defining a Role for Sustainable Consumption Initiatives In New Zealand Sarah J. McLaren Landcare Research

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Defining a Role for Sustainable Consumption
Initiatives In New ZealandSarah J.
McLarenLandcare Research
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Definition(s)

• 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, 2005

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History

• Green consumerism 1980s
• Agenda 21 at UNCED 1992
• Plan of Implementation Article 15, WSSD
  2002,10-Year Framework of Programmes on SCP
• Marrakesh Process Expert Meetings, Regional
  Meetings, Task Forces
• Review of 10-Year Framework by CSD in 2010/2011
  cycle of work

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Region and Country Initiatives

• Europe Strategy for Sustainable Development 2006
• Sustainable Consumption and Production one of
  seven key challenges
• EU Sustainable Consumption and Production Action
  Plan in 2007
• UK Sustainable Development Strategy 2005
• Sustainable Consumption and Production one of
  four priorities
• SCP Evidence Base Research Programme, Advisory
  Group

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Theme 1Producing More Sustainable Products and
Services

• Development of new technologies and
  eco-innovation
• Development of cleaner production processes and
  eco-efficient products/services
• Promotion of technologies and eco-innovations
• Voluntary initiatives by businesses (e.g. EMS,
  certification, reporting)
• Setting standards and targets for products and
  processes
• Dialogue, partnership and cooperative programmes
  between business, communities, government
• Training and education
• Use of economic incentives

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Theme 2 Changing Consumer Behaviour

• Sustainable public procurement
• Product labelling schemes
• Advertising and marketing
• Awareness-raising campaigns
• Provision of information and education more
  generally
• Banning certain products
• Use of economic incentives

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New Zealand Initiatives

• Sustainable Development Programme of Action
  (DPMC, 2003)
• Product Stewardship (MfE)
• Product Stewardship and Water Efficiency
  Labelling (2005)
• Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill (2006)
• Ecolabelling
• Environmental Choice New Zealand

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Why Bother?

• 10-Year Framework of Programmes
• Ethical arguments
• Economic reasons
• Product-oriented policy
• Clean and green image

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Product-Oriented Policy

• It is becoming more and more evident that
  consumers are increasingly interested in the
  world that lies behind the product they buy
  (Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director, UNEP)
• Europe WEEE, EoL Vehicles, EuP IPP
• Focus upstream and downstream New Zealand
  exports (e.g. Food Miles)

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Clean and Green NZ

• Tourism and exports
• Tourism contributes 9.0 of GDP and 9.8 of total
  employment in NZ (2005, direct and indirect
  tourism activities)
• Exports international tourism 18.7, dairy
  products 13.2, of total exports
• Minimising environmental impacts in New Zealand
  exports, domestic consumption
• From information provision to more sophisticated
  understanding of behaviour

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Conclusions

• Product-oriented policy
• Identify export sectors most at risk
• Work to improve environmental profile of their
  products
• Demonstrate the environmental credentials of
  these products
• Clean and Green New Zealand
• Changing consumer behaviour and role of
  government (enabling policy framework)
• Integrated programme on sustainable consumption