How can we change the way we consume in cities?

Achieving sustainability in urban areas requires directly addressing the issue of consumption. “Sustainable consumption” provides a powerful framework for taking a systemic, integrated approach. It’s about consuming differently, which includes changing the ways goods and services are provided to meet our individual and collective needs. This framework enables cities to implement several parallel sustainability agendas, including climate action, social equity, sustainable economic development, social connection and wellbeing.

OneEarth Living is a lead contributor to the work with the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) on sustainable consumption. This includes co-authoring the Sustainable Consumption Toolkit, a growing database of implementable sustainable consumption initiatives and strategies. The toolkit also addresses the myths that keep governments from acting on consumption. We need to get beyond focusing solely on efficiency, recycling, waste prevention or “greening” products – and to also work towards real changes in consumer attitudes and behaviour. The toolkit focuses mainly on sustainable consumption of materials related to buildings, food and consumer goods, as these areas represent important yet less prioritized leverage points.

The toolkit is part of a suite of activities on sustainable consumption. It is also an innovation product developed by USDN, a network of local government professionals from the US and Canada dedicated to creating a healthier environment, economic prosperity and increased social equity.

Relevant links:

• Measuring consumption in our communities
• Communicating about sustainable consumption
• Self-assessment checklist

→ Visit the project website