Building a Just and Sustainable Future: The Role of Consumers, Businesses, and Policymakers
By Ashim Sanyal CEO, Consumer VOICE
On World Consumer Rights Day 2025, we need to acknowledge the increased difficulties consumers experience in embracing sustainable lifestyles. High costs and greenwashing, restricted access and insufficient awareness are the obstacles that deny sustainability as a universal reality. Most importantly, the cradle to grave approach remains a distant dream for producers and consumers.
Most brands deploy false eco-friendly statements / labels / advertisements, creating a challenge for consumers to make a choice of true sustainable products. The prohibitive price for organic and environmentally friendly options mostly renders them unaffordable to middle and low-income earners. Furthermore, limited awareness and literacy make consumers susceptible to misleading advertising and uninformed consumption.
Creating Solutions for a Fairer Future
- Tougher Policies & Regulations – Implementing more stringent greenwashing regulations and encouraging honest eco-labeling will give consumers the power to make the right decisions. India’s Greenwashing Regulation can be replicated.
- Accessible & Affordable Sustainable Choices – Companies need to ramp up production of environmentally friendly goods to reduce prices, while governments can encourage sustainable innovations.
- Collective Action for Sustainability – Consumers, businesses, and policymakers need to join hands to make sustainability not a privilege but a right for everyone. Consumer Voice embraces this policy and practice. A just transition can happen only when we act together. The time is here!