Responsible consumption to reduce environmental impact
Responsible consumption, a key to protecting the environment
We are often unaware of the real impact of our everyday habits. From what we buy to how we use and dispose of it, every action leaves a footprint on the environment. That is why it is important to review our habits and adopt more responsible patterns of consumption that help protect the planet.
Over time, we have seen pollution degrade ecosystems that were once rich in life. Places such as the River Ganges, whose waters were once among the purest in the world as they flowed from the Himalayas, are now among the most polluted. According to the Sankat Mochan Foundation, concentrations of faecal bacteria can reach as many as 31 million per 100 millilitres. To mitigate the effects of pollution, individuals, businesses and governments must work together to change consumption habits in ways that support the recovery and conservation of biodiversity for future generations.
Responsible consumption: what it is and how businesses and governments can put it into practice
Responsible consumption means purchasing and using goods and services in a conscious, ethical and sustainable way. It involves considering not only a product's usefulness or price, but also its origin, how it was made, the resources used in its production and its impact on people and the environment.
Adopting this approach requires a change in mindset and consumption habits across society, supported in many cases by businesses and governments. So, what role should they play?
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Businesses
Businesses can embrace responsible consumption by making more sustainable purchasing decisions. This means choosing local suppliers, durable products, recycled materials and options that consume less energy and water. Another important step is to prioritise biodegradable, recycled or reusable materials. However, responsible consumption is about more than changing the way products are purchased or manufactured. It also requires active internal management, including training employees, establishing sustainable procurement criteria, separating waste and monitoring performance indicators that turn a general commitment into a clear and measurable corporate policy.
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Governments
For governments, responsible consumption is reflected in public policy, consumer education and regulations designed to reduce waste and unnecessary consumption. This can be achieved through awareness campaigns, consumer information requirements, product labelling and education initiatives that encourage more sustainable lifestyles.
Consumption habits to fight pollution
If the world's population reaches 9.7 billion by 2050, as projected by the United Nations (UN), we will need almost three planets' worth of natural resources to maintain our current way of life. But we only have one Earth, which is why every action we take to protect it, however small, is important.
Here are five everyday habits that may seem harmless, or even environmentally friendly, but can have a significant impact on the environment.
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Eating too much meat, fish and fruit
These foods are an essential part of our diet, but they can also have a considerable environmental impact. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), livestock farming accounted for 12% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, meaning excessive consumption could further increase these emissions. Overfishing also harms the environment by degrading the biodiversity of marine ecosystems. When it comes to fruit, choosing seasonal produce is a more responsible option.
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Using coffee capsules and tea bags
Coffee capsules are mainly made from aluminium and plastic, making them a clear environmental concern.
According to Recycap Technologies, more than five million coffee capsules are used every day in Spain, yet only 10% are recycled.
Tea bags can also contribute to environmental pollution. Many contain nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a petroleum-based plastic. It is estimated that around 25% of a typical tea bag consists of single-use plastic, which runs counter to the European Union's efforts to reduce this type of product. For this reason, it is advisable to reduce the use of coffee capsules and plastic-containing tea bags, opting instead for more sustainable alternatives such as traditional coffee makers and loose-leaf tea.
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Using paper bags
Many people assume that paper bags are environmentally friendly simply because they are made from paper, unlike the millions of tonnes of plastic bags used worldwide every year, according to the United Nations. The reality, however, is more complex. Paper bags are rarely reused and often end up in general waste.
What’s more, manufacturing a paper bag requires four times more energy than producing a plastic one. It also consumes large amounts of water and wood, generates harmful atmospheric emissions and uses chemicals that pollute water resources and damage ecosystems. A better alternative is a reusable cotton bag, which is durable, washable and designed for repeated use.
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Washing with non-eco-friendly detergents and fabric softeners
Most laundry detergents contain dyes and other polluting substances such as phosphates, surfactants and optical brighteners that do not readily break down in the environment. These substances can cause skin irritation and allergies, contaminate water and damage marine ecosystems.
The solution is to choose environmentally friendly detergents made from natural, biodegradable ingredients.
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Drinking bottled water
Plastic bottles are one of the clearest examples of environmental pollution. According to the WWF, they take around 450 years to decompose. They may also affect human health through the microplastic particles they release into bottled water. A 2024 study led by the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) in collaboration with the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) analysed 280 samples from 20 brands of bottled water sold in single-use plastic bottles. The researchers detected microplastics and nanoplastics in almost all samples, as well as 28 plastic additives.
Iberdrola and environmental protection
As a result of pollution and global warming, our planet is continuously losing ecosystems that are vital for the survival of countless species and for human health. In response, the Iberdrola Group has made electrification a cornerstone of its strategy. Electrification involves replacing fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas with electricity generated from renewable energy sources – including wind, solar, hydroelectric and geothermal power – with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
What’s more, we have launched our Biodiversity Plan 2030, which aims to contribute to biodiversity conservation by avoiding developments in areas of high ecological value, reducing pollution and restoring affected habitats. As part of this strategy, we are also tackling plastic pollution in the oceans through projects such as East Anglia One, where we have supported the installation of two floating litter collection units designed to collect plastic waste as well as some of the oils, detergents and fuels floating near the port of Lowestoft. Another flagship initiative is New England Wind, where we apply protocols to minimise the impact of underwater noise on marine wildlife, particularly marine mammals and sea turtles, helping to safeguard their wellbeing.
Alongside the development of sustainable projects, we are also focused on finding innovative solutions to protect biodiversity through PERSEO, our open innovation programme for start-ups. PERSEO's primary objective is to accelerate electrification and sustainability through the rapid development of new business opportunities. In doing so, it not only drives the development of disruptive technologies and business models but also contributes to economic and social revitalisation.