Unsustainable consumption is an underlying driver of biodiversity loss. Halting and ultimately reversing biodiversity loss will require a shift towards more sustainable consumption patterns. This means consuming resources and producing waste at a level within planetary boundaries. Governments have a central role to play in making information available and accessible to consumers who, in turn, can make better and more informed consumption choices. This target can contribute to SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 14, and 15.

This target links to Target 7 that is designed to reduce pollution, in part through waste management.  Reducing unsustainable consumption requires education at an early stage, and so priority areas for efforts can be the development of a small curriculum to be made available to schools to teach children about wise choices, reducing waste, and over-consumption.  Integrated waste management is another area where waste can be reduced through composting and recycling.

Responsible Ministry(ies): MAFFL, MTE, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health

Actions:

1. Continue to strengthen plastic management policies by improving plastic import rules.

2. Promote and practice integrated waste management and establish waste banks.

3. Develop elementary and secondary school waste awareness programme and provide information brochures to libraries.

4. Develop a public composting system through organic collections from restaurants and other businesses, and promote the use of the compost in agricultural areas.