Green Consumption Definition, Green Consumption Importance

Definition of green consumption

Green consumption is the practice of using environmentally friendly products that do not cause risk for human health and do not threaten the function of diversity to natural ecosystems. Consumers have significant influence and direct impact on supply and demand in the market place. Green consumerism comes from the desire to protect resources for future generations and to increase our quality of life.

Green consumption is the regular practice of consumption of only environmentally friendly products that do not cause any damage to human health and do not threaten the functions and working of any natural ecosystem. Studies show that it is the most cost-effective approach for implementing cleaner production efforts.

Green consumption in 1980, the first book 'The Green Consumer Guide' was published in U.K. in response to the idea that in modern industrialized society, 'Shopping has become a leisure activity in itself.' In Japan, the 'Buy Green' movement has been started by nearly 700 companies. In February 2003, the Government and companies all over Japan, formed Green Purchasing Network (GPN).

Green consumption, in U.S.A. executive orders have been issued for procurement of environmentally sound products. It has become widespread in European Countries too, and Germany has employed green purchasing practices.

Importance of Green Consumption

Importance of green consumption is depicated in the following image.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Importance of green consumption are follows:

1. The concept of cleaner production has gained importance of a core pollution management strategy.
2. Industry's primary responsibility is to maintain environmental quality to control pollutants and wastes.
3. Consumption of products, energy and natural resource is growing steady around the world, driven by economic development and population growth.
4. Issue of green consumption must get beyond academic and research institutes. It should come into communities and market places.
5. Developing greener consumption will require co-operation from consumers, communities and civil society.
6. Cleaner production strategies rely on product life cycle that captures: Impact from production process, effects of distribution, consumption recycling, etc.
7. Barriers to Greener Consumption can be overcome with Govt's support.
8. One of the themes for sustainable development is to change today's consumption patterns in order to preserve future opportunities for development.