Gateway to Sustainability in Japan

Sustainable Development Goals SDGs Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

What is SDGs Goal 12?

SDGs Goal 12 is “Responsible consumption and production,” with its mission statement being “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns” by 2030.

This goal has 11 targets and 13 indicators measuring the world’s success in this aspect. For example, the targets include:

  • implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries,
  • achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources and
  • halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
  • To mitigate waste problems in Japan

    Japan faces many waste problems such as fashion, plastic and food. In Japan, only 34% of clothing is recycled, and the rest are treated as waste. They will only be incinerated or end up in landfills even if they were in good condition. The nation needs to fill this prevaling gap through responsible consumption and production. Many have started making the shift toward ethical comsumption as the awareness spread in recent years.

    Japan also struggles with its plastic waste issue. Approximately, 25% of nation’s plastic waste being recycled, Japan is the second in plastic waste emission in the world as of 2022. However, the government’s new “3R+Renewable” policy, which increases the circularity of materials, is expected to impact consumers as well as give new perspectives for businesses.

    Let’s explore SDGs Goal 12

    What is ethical consumption?


    Ethical consumption is the responsible buying, using, and disposal of products. In this article, we introduce the concept of ethical consumption and ways to practice it. “Ethical product” is also defined here.
    What is ethical consumption?

    5 ethical fashion brands catching our eyes in Japan


    Japan is seeing an exponential boom in ethical and sustainable fashion. Here are a few ethical fashion brands that will help you shop ethically and keep up with current trends, including upcycling.
    5 ethical fashion brands catching our eyes in Japan

    Ethical Hair Care Products in Japan


    It isn’t a secret that many conventional hair care products contain harmful ingredients and aren’t created upon an ethical foundation. We feature cruelty-free and vegan, and zero-waste hair care products you can get from Japan.
    Ethical Hair Care Products in Japan

    4 cruelty-free vegan skincare brands you can get in Japan


    Vegan options in skincare products are slowly increasing in Japan. UNNATURALLY NATURAL, which cares for both animals and skin health, is a great example of Japanese ethical skincare brands. In this article, you can read about vegan cosmetics brands that you can get in Japan!
    4 cruelty-free vegan skincare brands you can get in Japan

    Related links

    [Reference] United Nations SDGs Page Goal 12

    Explore 17 SDGs