Responsible consumption

Responsible consumption is a behavioural model that promotes the acquisition and use of goods and services not only based on individual needs, but also on the environmental, social, and economic impact of those decisions.

Unlike the linear model of consumption (produce, use, dispose) responsible consumption seeks to transform the habits of citizens and businesses to move toward a fairer, more equitable, and more sustainable society.

In the context of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality, this concept plays a strategic role within the circular economy, public policies, and international commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Definition

Responsible consumption means making purchasing and usage decisions that minimise negative impacts on the environment, respect workers’ rights, and promote balanced economic development.

It is based on three dimensions:

- Environmental: reducing the ecological footprint of products and services.
- Social: promoting fair working conditions and ethical trade.
- Economic: supporting local economies and sustainable business models.

Principles of responsible consumption

- Reduce: avoid unnecessary consumption.
- Reuse: extend the useful life of products.
- Recycle: reintegrate materials into the production cycle.
- Choose sustainable products: organic, fair-trade, or low-impact goods.
- Transparency: demand clear information about origin, processes, and production conditions.
- Solidarity: support local businesses and projects with positive social impact.

Strategic importance

- For citizens: fosters healthy habits, savings, and alignment with ethical values.
- For businesses: creates opportunities for innovation and brand differentiation.
- For governments: essential for sustainability strategies and emission-reduction policies.
- For the SDGs: especially SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production.

Regulation and reference frameworks

- 2030 Agenda and SDG 12.
- Spanish Circular Economy Strategy (España Circular 2030).
- Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy.
- Directive 2008/98/EC on waste.
- EU sustainable consumption and production plans.

Examples of responsible consumption

At the individual level:
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– Buying seasonal and local products.
– Reducing single-use plastics.
– Choosing sustainable mobility (cycling, public transport).
– Repairing appliances instead of replacing them.

International comparison

- France: Anti-waste and circular economy law (2020).
- Sweden: tax deductions for product repairs.
- Chile: EPR Law (Extended Producer Responsibility) for packaging and containers.

Benefits of responsible consumption

- Environmental: reduced waste, emissions, and resource use.
- Social: fairer working conditions and support for local communities.
- Economic: consumer savings and more resilient supply chains.
- Cultural: a shift toward sustainability-driven values.

Current challenges

- Greenwashing: confusion caused by companies that present themselves as sustainable without complying.
- Price of sustainable products: a barrier for lower-income groups.
- Lack of transparent information for consumers.
- Habit change: difficulty in transforming entrenched consumption patterns.

Relation to the circular economy

Responsible consumption is the citizen gateway to the circular economy:
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– It promotes demand for durable and repairable products.
– It encourages service-based business models (pay for use rather than ownership).
– It supports waste recovery through recycling.

Responsible consumption is not only an individual practice but a collective strategy to transform how we produce, distribute, and use goods and services.

Ultimately, consuming responsibly means choosing a more sustainable, fair, and supportive future, where purchasing decisions become an act of positive environmental and social change.