SDGs to ensure- 'No One is Left Behind!'

“SDGs 2030” sounds so catchy – when we see or hear this phrase be it in social media or in electronic media. As a “Mango-People” initially I thought it is the duty of the body-politic around the glove to toil on this matter. But my recent visit to Japan for AOTS training has broken this traditional misconception regarding SDGs. I started to connect those dots which I cultured earlier from series of CPD seminars arranged by ICAB-CRC related to SDG.

Dr. Yamanaka Toshiyuki, President, Global Dynamics Co. Ltd, who was the facilitator for the program that I joined in Osaka, Japan, had made us believe that SDGs is not an isolated concept for particular organizations or few countries. Rather it is a choice of sustainable Economic-Environmental-Social practices to be inculcated in our everyday life.

Bangladesh has been lauded by the United Nations as well as the international development community as the epitome for socio-economic gains attained under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The country has moved up to lower middle income status, but more importantly, by human development indicators and this achievement came on the back of the country’s stride towards higher per capita income in recent years, riding on stable economic growth. This indicates that Bangladesh is well positioned to emerge as a global thought leader with regard to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In fact under the a2i project Bangladesh government has one dedicated website(https://www.sdg.gov.bd/#1) for tracking SDGs achievements on regular basis.

Despite government is trying to push the nation towards SDGs, most of the citizens are not well aware about it. In my opinion, all business houses big-small-medium any sizes should come forward to include SDGs in their economic activities. I had witnessed tons of examples on how SDGs are shaping the business models across Japan. When I tried to compare the business practices here in Bangladesh against those of Japan; I felt like stranded due to so much variance in place.

So what is the way forward? May be we should be adopting SDGs mindset individually which will ultimately thrive for business practices later. After a bit goggling the other day, I found that the UN has actually thought about this well ahead and they have posted an article “The Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World” in its website https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/takeaction/).

“Ethical Consumption” is the key here. In fact- Every human on earth—even the most indifferent, laziest person among us—is part of the solution. To make you comfortable about these recommendations I’m close-fitting noteworthy ones down below after summarizing from that guide:

Things you can do from your couch (Level-1)

• Save electricity by plugging appliances into a power strip and turning them off completely when not in use, including your computer.
• Stop paper bank statements and pay your bills online or via mobile.
• Turn off the lights. Your TV or computer screen provides a cozy glow, so turn off other lights if you don’t need them.
• Share, don’t just like. If you see an interesting social media post about women’s rights or climate change, share it so folks in your network see it too.
• Speak up! Ask your local and national authorities to engage in initiatives that don’t harm people or the planet.
• Report online bullies. If you notice harassment on a message board or in a chat room, flag that person.

Things you can do at home (Level-2)

• Take short showers. Bathtubs require gallons more water than a 5-10 minute shower.
• Eat less meat, poultry, and fish. More resources are used to provide meat than plants
• Freeze fresh produce and leftovers if you don’t have the chance to eat them before they go bad. You can also do this with take-away or delivered food, if you know you will not feel like eating it the next day. You will save food and money.
• Recycling paper, plastic, glass & aluminum keeps landfills from growing.
• Buy minimally packaged goods.
• Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency
• Replace old appliances with energy efficient models and light bulbs
• Choose a better diaper option. Swaddle your baby in cloth diapers or a new, environmentally responsible disposable brand.
• Use cardboard matches. They don’t require any petroleum, unlike plastic gas-filled lighters.
• Vaccinate yourself and your kids. Protecting your family from disease also aids public health.

Things you can do outside your house (Level-3)

• Shop local. Supporting neighborhood businesses keeps people employed and helps prevent trucks from driving far distances.
• Shop Smart—plan meals, use shopping lists and avoid impulse buys. Don’t succumb to marketing tricks that lead you to buy more food than you need, particularly for perishable items. Though these may be less expensive per ounce, they can be more expensive overall if much of that food is discarded.
• Buy Funny Fruit—many fruits and vegetables are thrown out because their size, shape, or colors are not “right”. Buying these perfectly good funny fruit, at the farmer’s market or elsewhere, utilizes food that might otherwise go to waste.
• When you go to a restaurant and are ordering seafood always ask: “Do you serve sustainable seafood?” Let your favorite businesses know that ocean-friendly seafood is on your shopping list.
• Bike, walk or take public transport. Save the car trips for when you’ve got a big group.
• Bring your own bag when you shop. Pass on the plastic bag and start carrying your own reusable totes.
• Take fewer napkins. You don’t need a handful of napkins to eat your takeout. Take just what you need.
• Shop vintage. Brand-new isn’t necessarily the best. See what you can repurpose from second-hand shops.
• Maintain your car. A well-tuned car will emit fewer toxic fumes.
• Donate what you don’t use such as used clothes, books and furniture.

Things you can do at work (Level-4)

• If you have a fruit or snack that you don’t want, don’t throw it out. Give it away to someone who needs and is asking for help.
• Does everyone at work have access to healthcare? If possible help him / her.
• Mentor young people. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring and a powerful way to guide someone towards a better future.
• Make sure your company uses energy efficient heating and cooling technology.
• Stay informed. Read about workers in other countries and business practices. Talk to your colleagues about these issues.
• Does your company invest in clean and resilient infrastructure? It’s the only way to keep workers safe and protect the environment.
• Raise your voice against any type of discrimination in your office. Everyone is equal regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, social background and physical abilities.
• Speak up! Ask your company and Government to engage in initiatives that will not harm people or the planet.
• Try to reduce waste, since most waste ends up in our oceans.
• Examine and change everyday decisions. Can you recycle at your workplace? Is your company buying from merchants engaging in harmful ecological practices?
• Corporate social responsibility counts! Encourage your company to work with civil society and find ways to help local communities achieve the goals.

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