TakingITGlobal

Youth Commitments • Active selection of sustainable products over ones that are not environmentally friendly Many people want to reduce their carbon footprint through buying 'green' products. However, there is currently no universal way to identify product that are produced through a sustainable supply chain, and those that are not. As consumers, we know that people would like to make eco-friendly choices, and support them with their purchase choices. We urge that a process be implemented (potentially through a collaboration between non-governmental organizations) of branding products that are green/ sustainable. This label could theoretically be put on all kinds of products, from electronics, to raw materials, to food. This label would certify that a product has been made with a green supply chain, sustainable materials, operating with a certain level of energy efficiency, and is recyclable and/or reusable (of course one or more of these conditions may not apply to certain products. For instance, an apple cannot be energy efficient or recyclable). The way it would work is a company would apply for a label for one of their products by sending the labeling organization the info about their product; mode of production, material supply chain; energy efficiency of product, and whether or not it is reusable/recyclable. The labeling organization would then verify the information. An amount of money would then be paid by the company to the labeling organization to have the label granted to them. "If everyone started taking care of the amount of carbon they produced, then the environmental problems we are facing today would decrease greatly." ~ Ana, Chile This kind of branding already exists in many countries to some degree, but in order to make the biggest impact possible, the label must be internationally accepted and recognized. The fair-trade label on foods and beverages is a great example. By implementing such labelling, we reach the consumers directly and thereby avoid having to deal with legislation in the different countries. Purchasing more of these products would impact the kind of items markets put on their shelves. The eco-friendly label could be compared to the easily recognizable markings of the Fair-trade organization that is entirely run by NGOs. Each year, the global temperature and the level of the oceans increases more and more due to greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most common ways to reduce the negative industry impact is to have its energy be renewable. Using renewable energy by means of power from a solar or wind power farm, or installing solar panels directly Page 11

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