Edzard Ruehe, Indonesian policy support representative, stated at the Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) forum that only when the public's awareness of environmental sustainability increases can industries be compelled to manufacture environmentally friendly products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently, many major cities in Indonesia are polluted by ordinary people and factories, and many major rivers and beaches are filled with plastic waste. Although buying food and products is a natural behavior for people, if the concept of \"sustainability\" can be instilled into the consumption habits of ordinary people, it will greatly change the product manufacturing model of manufacturers, thereby improving human and environmental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sustainable consumption refers to consumers purchasing only environmentally friendly products, which are environmentally friendly throughout their manufacturing, sales, use, and even disposal stages. These products are typically energy-efficient and recyclable. Unless consumers are committed to purchasing environmentally friendly products, it is difficult for industries to spontaneously produce environmentally friendly goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Edzard further pointed out that in Germany, civil society is a key driver of green living and sustainable consumption. Strong public demand led to the central government's policies and regulations on green procurement and reducing negative environmental impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SCP has already begun collaborating with Indonesia's environmental authorities to promote the importance of sustainable consumption to the public. The Indonesian government has also incorporated sustainable consumption and production issues into its National Mid-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2015\u20132019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n