Lecture Notes: Consumption and its Impact on Environment and Society

Introduction

Wide Range of Products: Modern society has access to various products to meet basic and sophisticated needs.
Importance of Study: Understanding consumption behavior and its environmental and social impact is crucial.

Definition: Current model is linear – involves extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and disposal.
Extraction of Raw Materials:
- Involves obtaining non-renewable or slow-regenerating resources.
- Often requires significant natural resource extraction.
Production:
- Utilizes harmful chemicals to increase production efficiency.
- Production is often offshored to developing countries with lax regulations.
- Results in polluting or toxic by-products.
Distribution and Purchase:
- Prices often don’t reflect true environmental/social costs (pollution, cheap labor).
- Growth driven by planned obsolescence, leading to repeated purchases.
- Products have shorter lifespans.
Disposal:
- Majority of products end up as waste.
- Waste production volume has doubled in 30 years.
- Waste management is a significant problem.
Sustainability Issue: Linear model is unsustainable in the long run.

Transformation Needed: Requires efforts from governments, companies, and citizens.
Government Role:
- Encourage responsible production.
- Legislate environmentally-friendly production.
- Hold companies accountable for their externalities.
Consumer Role:
- Demand responsible products.
- Make informed purchasing decisions.
Company Role:
- Design products responsibly.
- Transition from linear to circular production model.
- Focus on repair and reuse of products.

Current Efforts: Several individuals and groups are already working towards a circular economy.
Need for Innovation: Continuous innovation is essential for achieving a sustainable planet.