While problems associated with climate change are constantly increasing, Professor Chris Elliott believes each product should offer a detailed account of its sustainability credentials on its label to its consumers honestly.
No country on the globe has been able to steer clear of the economic crisis. The growing population and increasing food demands have further aggravated climate change. Therefore, sustainability credentials mentioned on the products can help inform people and motivate them to slow down climate change by understanding the environmental impact of the product they spent their money on.
How is this unified system going to work? More than 100 enterprises and initiatives from around the world are doing a marvelous job to put that plan into motion. However, there are high chances that different labeling systems will emerge with variable scoring systems and standards which might end up confusing people instead of keeping them informed.
On that note, a representative from one such organization stated that if all systems fail to unify, consumers will be confused, production and retail costs will increase, and the whole plan to make a difference will collapse.
We are strong advocates of a scientific and harmonized labeling system. Any progress towards this goal will be highly appreciated and encouraged by us.
We have made significant progress recently by bringing the European Commission and the UK government on board for a unified sustainability labeling system. This coalition involves support from the top food and environmental scientists of Europe, UN climate change representatives, and some food and climate change initiatives as well.
Six workable principles have been developed by the coalition to develop a standard sustainability labeling system.
- An independent organization needs to govern the whole process
- One standard approach should be followed throughout Europe
- The labeling system should be developed upon the Product’s Environmental Footprint of the European Union
- It should be founded on the life cycle assessment
- Credible and primary data should be used