We are living amid a problem of unsustainable consumption, and its waste surrounds us, among them rolls of plastic, packaging material, and fashion clothing. This problem became more apparent during the pandemic when online shopping became the only way to acquire goods. After that, the door to reach consumers at all hours of the day was opened, and packaging – mostly plastics – that will keep the newness or freshness of a product, added to the waste generated by households.
Sustainable consumption is Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No.12, part of the 17 goals which aim to transform our world. In 2015, all the countries in the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The goals are a “call to action to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity.” Sustainable consumption has become a major concern these days because of consumer behavior in online shopping. In June 2020, global retail e-commerce traffic reached a record 22 billion monthly visits and a staggering $26.
7 trillion in sales, Earth.org said. What draws consumers to buy online are: price, speed, and convenience.
“By the end of this year (2023), Asia is set to account for 50 percent of the world’s total online retail sales, most of which take place in China, currently the world’s leading country by retail e-commerce sales. Singles’ Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are just a few examples of the initiative.