Am I the only one that hasn’t heard about Sustainability Goal #12? What first piqued my interest was discussion I was seeing on responsible consumption online. The language was often related to food waste, but it has a much broader context as I discovered.
I looked on the Gov of Canada website and discovered that yes Canada’s responsible consumption and production strategy is about food consumption and waste. But in a minor at the bottom of the pile behind electric vehicles way.
Canada’s ambition for this goal (#12) is to ensure Canadians consume in a sustainable manner. Canada aspires to improve resource consumption and related environmental footprints by promoting more sustainable business models and consumer choices, such as:
• the purchase of zero-emission vehicles
• extending the lifespan of products through repair and refurbishment
Action plans too are focused on plastic waste and EV’s. A very “eggs in one basket” approach for a food sustainability problem that is universal amongst Canadians. I can imagine that the food insecure, sure appreciate the $5000 grant that is available to make electric vehicles more affordable though. I was being sarcastic if you didn’t catch it, but
With the extremes of climate change, biodiversity and environmental degradation the first ever Food Policy for Canada was launched in 2019. It has a vision that all Canadians can access a sufficient, safe, nutritious, and culturally diverse food. It also seeks to support a food system that is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment and supports our economy.
A tall order is good, but not if it is not supported by decisive, immediate and universal action on sustainable food consumption and production at all levels, not just the farm gate.
For more news, information and commentary for farmers, homesteaders and property owners, subscribe here and get Small Farm Canada delivered straight to your door!