PROGRAMME SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION and PRODUCTION

Sustainable consumption and production refer to the production and utilization of goods and services that respond to basic needs and improve the quality of life, minimizing the use of natural resources, toxic materials, as well as the generation of waste and polluters during the product life cycle, without impinging upon the possibility of future generations to satisfy their own needs. (Environment Ministry of Norwegian, Oslo Symposia, 1994).

Even if the increase in the growing rate of consumption turns out to be positive, this situation brings along the increment in the use of natural resources rate. This situation exceeds the capacity of adaptation of the earth causing a continuous deterioration of the global environment.

In spite of technological advance and development having incremented the efficiency in the use of natural resources; it is not enough with this efficiency to compensate the increase in absolute terms of water consumption, energy, waste generation, among others, situation that will go on hence producing environmental damages.

Maintaining the current levels of global consumption makes it impossible for the planet’s resources to be sufficient today, to satisfy the demand in years to come. It can be said that an additional country will be needed.

In the frame of this Programme, IADS pretends to develop projects, initiatives, actions and generate participation spaces, to promote the incorporation of sustainable consumption and production patterns. These practices can improve the life quality separating economic growth from environmental degradation, using new ways of producing and consuming.

Through sustainable consumption and production the economic growth with sustainability criteria, integrated to environmental and social dimensions is possible. These are the three basic pillars for a sustainable development

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