Drafting the recommendations involved a nearly one-year process of collaboration, involving the participation of the Action 2020 Specialist Forum, the BCSDH Action 2020 Sustainable Lifestyle Working Group Meetings, the CEO Roundtable Discussions, the BCSDH General Meetings, and a number of professional discussions with subject-matter experts.

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BCSDH FOR THE BUSINESS SECTOR IN THE FIELD OF SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES:

1. CHANGE BUSINESS MODELS to make sustainable products and services more competitive

2. Shift consumer demand towards sustainability THROUGH BRANDS

For the time being, the proportion of buyers and consumers who are willing and able to choose the more sustainable alternative in their everyday lives is low. A typical lifestyle is not balanced and is harmful to the environment. Although sustainable products and services are now available, they are usually only affordable to a restricted circle at a high price. Product-related information that is provided to consumers does not constitute an effective reference for responsible decision-making, and in addition, is generally distrusted. The liability of companies should not only be extended to the sourcing of inputs, content, the manufacturing technology used for products and services and the effects on the environment and society of energy, transport and packaging, but companies should also reduce the ecological footprint of consumption if they intend to have a real impact on sustainability.