Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Blogs

• View the official blog from The Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching Effectiveness (GMCTL) at the University of Saskatchewan. This post helps instructors to identify ways in which they can infuse Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production into their own courses. It provides learning outcomes, ways to reflect, share & act and curricular connections and questions for students related to Goal 12. 

• View this blog by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). The blog describes the importance of dematerialization to achieve climate targets by ending unsustainable production and consumption of materials while addressing the global crises of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. IISD is an independent think tank that is guided by five core priorities - climate, resources, economies, act together and engage. They host events and publish strategic plans and reports related to their core priorities.

Case Studies

• The Urban Sustainability Exchange (USE) website has case studies specific to each Sustainable Development Goal. These provide information on programs, projects and policies being implemented in cities around the globe to accomplish Sustainable Development Goals.

• View the case studies conducted by UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) on SDG 12. These cover a range of issues around the world that relate to consumption and production, such as energy management, good agriculture practice and single-use plastics consumption. The case studies also cover SDGs #6, #7, #11, #14 and #17.

• Visit the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) for the case studies. The GEEP was launched by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration, and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). The GEEP developed a list of topics in environmental education to achieve the environmental protection goals in each country and address issues such as climate change through environmental education and citizen engagement.

Infographics

• View this infographic on SDG 12 by the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs(UNDESA). This infographic illustrates an overview of sustainable consumption and production patterns, targets and indicators and progress reports. UNDESA acts as the Secretariat for the SDGs, providing substantive support and capacity-building for the goals and their related thematic issues, including water, energy, climate, oceans, urbanization, transport, science and technology, the Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR), partnerships and Small Island Developing States.

• View this infographic and report on SDG 12 by the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs(UNDESA). This document shares eye-opening statistics on the subjects related to consumption and production such as domestic material consumption, food loss by the geographical region and installed renewable energy-generating capacity.

Lesson Plans

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production - The Business Ethics for Sustainable Consumption lesson is from the Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. This lesson examines the ethical aspects of consumption and production, highlighting business practices that promote resource and energy efficiency.

• The following link will take you to a PDF with the direct link to multimedia educational resources, pedagogical resources and ideas for classroom activities and lesson plans for infusing SDG 12. View the PDF document here. 

• Waterford One World Center provides educational resources on ethical consumerism and fair trade along with related issues. This document consists of 3 lesson sections (sustainability, fair trade, taking action) alongside suggested activities and info sheets. 

Video Library

• View the SDG Academy Library is a video library which consists of a vast collection of videos in the form of lectures. There is a series of lectures on different themes by Professors from around the world. Videos related to many different themes and issues under each sustainable development goal can be found in this library.  

• View the 5 lesson videos from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to learn more about the Food Loss Index which aids countries in reducing food losses along production and supply chains. The lessons cover the index and its components, along with strategies and guidelines for collecting, integrating and modeling the necessary data from a variety of sources. The FAO also has a repository of free, multilingual courses in food and nutrition security, social and economic development and sustainable management of natural resources, all supporting the SDGs.

• Watch this webinar by Global Compact Network Canada on a guide aiming to contribute to the progress of the circular economy while promoting responsible business practices and the advancement of the SDGs. The circular economy is known to provide great promise to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda including SDG 12. Global Compact Network Canada is a self-governing initiative closely working with the UN Global Compact Head Office to assist Canadian organizations with the advancement of the ten principles which include human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.

Websites

• View the World's Largest Lesson website has many creative tools and resources for educators to promote learning about Sustainable Development goals. There are a variety of resources on the website that can be used to teach each SDG such as lesson plans, guides, videos, books, comics, games, quizzes, and many other resources. The resources are available in many different languages.  

• View the website Springer Nature to access a collection of different resources related to SDG 12. There are interviews, books, journal chapters and articles, blogs, collections and special issues related to SDG 12.  

• View the Makematic is a website with animated and live-action videos that focus on global learning for teachers and students. The website has 68 animated and live-action films dedicated to Sustainable Development Goals. There are videos exploring each SDG. 

• One World Centre- This website provides a list of different resources on Teaching and Learning for SDG 12- Responsible Consumption and Production. Learning objectives, teaching methods, topics, lesson plans, articles, mind maps and other resources are available on the website.  

• View the SDG Tracker website to access data related to the progress of Goal 12, its related targets, and indicators. It is a free, open-access resource that tracks global progress toward the SDGs.  

• C40 provides a report library on consumption, production and climate change. C40 is a network of mayors of 100 world-leading cities collaborating to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis. These reports share a variety of areas to be focused on to achieve SDG 12, and provide data through interactive, technical and solutions reports. They also have a knowledge hub and case studies.

• Read this guidebook on how to launch a plastics circularity pilot developed by the Enabling a Circular Economy for Plastics Working Group, a collaborative initiative of Canadian industry co-chaired by Global Compact Network Canada and BASF Canada. This guide helps develop and support companies in piloting a circularity project within their own organization and value chain by looking beyond the current take-make-waste extractive industrial model.

• Carbon Literacy Project offers everyone a day’s worth of Carbon Literacy learning, including – climate change, carbon footprints, how you can do your bit, and why it’s relevant to you and your audience. Carbon Literacy project publishes research reports, toolkits and courses for different sectors such as civil, emergency and health sectors.

• View Canadian Indicators For Sustainable Development Goals for Canada-specific statistics and reports categorized by each SDG targets and indicators. The data is provided by Statistics Canada and presented in charts and tables.

Products

The Growcer OnCampus is an innovative, modular farming solution designed to empower higher education institutions to integrate sustainable food production into their campuses. By enabling year-round cultivation of fresh, local produce in virtually any climate, this plug-and-play hydroponic system addresses food security challenges while reducing environmental impact.

Aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13), The Growcer OnCampus promotes sustainable practices, local supply chains, and carbon footprint reduction. It also supports Quality Education (SDG 4) by offering a hands-on platform for experiential learning, research, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in fields such as agriculture, sustainability, and business innovation.

The Growcer OnCampus is a modular hydroponic farming system that allows year-round cultivation of fresh produce in any climate. It supports sustainability by promoting local food production, reducing food miles, and addressing food security. Educators can use this platform to teach concepts like sustainable agriculture, food systems, and environmental science while giving students hands-on experience in growing food sustainably.

Zabble Inc. is a cutting-edge waste management platform that empowers organizations to achieve zero-waste goals through data-driven solutions. By utilizing AI technology and advanced analytics, Zabble streamlines waste audits, tracks waste diversion efforts, and identifies opportunities to reduce landfill contributions. Its mobile-friendly platform allows users to monitor progress in real time, promoting accountability and operational efficiency.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Zabble contributes to Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). By helping organizations optimize waste management and minimize environmental impact, Zabble supports a circular economy and combats climate change.

Zabble Inc. provides AI-powered waste management solutions to help organizations achieve zero-waste goals. By streamlining waste audits and tracking diversion efforts, Zabble promotes sustainability and operational efficiency. Educators can use this platform for student projects in data analysis, environmental science, and sustainability planning while demonstrating real-world applications of waste reduction strategies.

Pesticide Industrial Complex News is an informative blog that critically examines the intersection of the pesticide industry, public health, and environmental sustainability. By providing insights into the global impacts of pesticide use, the blog highlights issues such as regulatory challenges, ecological harm, and the disproportionate effects on marginalized communities. It serves as a vital resource for understanding the complexities of industrial agriculture and its consequences.

This blog aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). By addressing the environmental and social implications of pesticide dependency, the blog advocates for more sustainable agricultural practices and regulatory reform.

Pesticide Industrial Complex News critically explores the impacts of pesticide use on public health and the environment. It offers valuable insights into regulatory challenges and sustainable agricultural alternatives. Educators can use this resource to encourage critical analysis and discussions in environmental studies, public health, and agricultural policy courses.

Ecochallenge.org Store provides a diverse range of resources and tools designed to inspire and empower individuals, communities, and organizations to take meaningful action toward sustainability. Offering customizable challenges, guides, and materials, the platform promotes habit formation and collective efforts to tackle global environmental and social challenges.

This initiative is strongly connected to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Climate Action (SDG 13), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). Through interactive challenges and community-driven programs, the Ecochallenge.org Store fosters collaboration and education to drive sustainable change.

Ecochallenge.org Store provides tools and resources for sustainability challenges that encourage collective action and habit formation. Educators can utilize these challenges to integrate experiential learning into their curricula, teaching students about real-world sustainability practices and how to drive environmental and social change.

DefaultVeg by the Better Food Foundation is an innovative initiative designed to promote plant-based eating as the default option in meal planning and dining settings. By shifting the norm from meat-centric meals to plant-based choices, DefaultVeg encourages sustainable food habits that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and support better health outcomes.

This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13). By normalizing plant-based options, DefaultVeg fosters more sustainable food systems and reduces the environmental footprint of dietary choices.

DefaultVeg promotes plant-based eating by making it the default option in meal planning, supporting sustainable food habits and reducing environmental impact. Educators can implement DefaultVeg principles in campus dining services and integrate discussions about sustainable food systems into courses on public health, environmental science, and ethics.