Green, Green, Green: The term ‘green‘ has become a buzzword, but the question remains: can buzzwords translate into tangible practices? Bridging the gap between words and actions is essential. The concept of “green” has evolved significantly, transforming from a mere color to a symbol of environmental awareness. Today, “green” embodies a set of principles and practices that prioritize planetary well-being and resource conservation. The connection between “green” and sustainability is strong as SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) because it focuses on:
- Reducing environmental impact: By promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns.
- Resource efficiency: Encouraging efficient use of resources to minimize waste.
- Sustainable management of natural resources: Ensuring responsible use of natural resources.
These aspects are crucial for achieving sustainability and reducing humanity’s ecological footprint. By adopting sustainable practices, we can mitigate climate change, conserve resources, and promote economic growth while protecting the environment. By achieving SDG 12, we can move towards a more sustainable and green future and various conferences, seminars, and workshops are being organized to raise awareness about the link between “green” and sustainability.
The bond between “green” and sustainability stems from the notion that eco-friendly practices are vital for a sustainable future. This connection is evident in multiple facets of life, including:
– Green Energy
– Green Products
– Green Buildings
– Green Packaging, etc.
Packaging plays a crucial role in the marketing mix, forming part of the 4 Ps, specifically the product component. Packaging is an indispensable element of marketing. While packaging serves multiple purposes – protection, safety, convenience, branding, and providing product information – We firmly believe it should be minimized. We need to think critically about situations where marketers aren’t reducing packaging and explore ways to mitigate it. We are skeptical about recycling being a solution. Can we genuinely claim to be practicing green packaging? Consider paper bags, for instance. They’re trendy, and marketers are capitalizing on their eco-friendly image. However, it’s essential to understand the environmental implications of their production, such as:
– Source: Are paper bags crafted from sustainably sourced materials like recycled paper or FSC- certified wood pulp?
– Production process: Does the manufacturing process prioritize environmental sustainability, minimizing energy consumption and waste?
– End-of-life: Can paper bags be easily recycled, composted, or reused?
In conclusion, while green packaging is a step in the right direction, it’s essential to critically evaluate its true environmental impact. Rather than just focusing on eco-friendly packaging, we should aim to reduce packaging waste overall. By making conscious choices as consumers and opting for minimal or no packaging, we can contribute to a more sustainable future. Ultimately, the question remains: is green packaging truly green, or is it just a marketing gimmick? The answer lies in our choices and actions.
Dr.Preeti Agarwal
Dr.Surabhi Sharma
Department of Business Administration