The Green Economy: A ‘Greenprint’ for Sustainable Prosperity
In the face of escalating environmental challenges and growing concerns regarding climate change, the green economy has emerged as a transformative concept designed to redefine our approach to economic development under the circumstances we face globally. Unlike traditional economic models, that often prioritise short-term economic success at the expense of environmental and social variables, the green economy envisions a harmonious integration of economic growth, ecological health and social wellbeing. This paradigm shift is not just a response to pressing environmental issues but a proactive strategy for ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come – both human and non.
The green economy is built on the principles of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources and investing in renewable energy sources. It goes beyond merely adopting eco-friendly practices; it involves rethinking the entire economic framework to prioritise sustainability and the long-term survival of economic prosperity. By fostering practices that reduce waste, promote recycling and support clean energy, the green economy aims to reintroduce balance into the relationship between the economy and the environment.
The South African government embraces a general sustainability model with the following variables:
- Enhancing systems for integrated planning and implementation;
- Sustaining our ecosystems and using natural resources efficiently;
- Towards a green economy;
- Building sustainable communities;
- Responding effectively to climate change.
The green economy is a broad concept. However, it is also nothing new and has been slowly expanding over a few decades, since environmental concerns have attained public acknowledgement. Communities have proudly promoted their embrace with basic daily activities such as investing in recycling bins, using old food as compost, maximising the number of house plants in their homes, switching to eco-friendly LED light bulbs, installing low carbon air source heat pumps, using microwaves instead of conventional ovens and even simply just growing their own. Every one of these contributions fuels the global potential to reach the core goals of the green economy. Unfortunately, this will not deliver a sustainable future alone. One must consider every decision made during each step of the day to understand fundamentally the extent of man’s historic exploitation of the planet for personal gain. It seems to be forgotten far too often that unsustainable practices do not ‘merely’ hurt the planet, but also destroy the livelihoods of, probably not their children, but their children’s children and so forth.
The growth and advancement in technologies, which has been a key contributor towards the degradation of the environment, has also reached a positive level where eco-friendly alternatives are now vastly accessible. It is critical to consider, however, that the freshness of such alternatives also comes with a cost that may be unviable to many consumer segments – particularly in developing countries such as South Africa, where current socio-economic circumstances are unstable and unbalanced for the greater population.
In other circumstances, supporting green brands and products might harm the environment in other ways, such as extended time in vehicles in order to obtain those alternatives that are not available in general supermarkets and stores. In the bigger picture and in line with the repeated patterns of capitalism, demand is the overarching motivator of supply and therefore, boosted interest in such alternatives will eventually settle the accessibility in a way in which environmental harm will become eminently minimised. For instance, one might face the dilemma of whether or not to support a business offering biodegradable and compostable trash bags as, although this product is eminently more environmentally suitable than conventional plastic bags, the extended time in a vehicle to obtain this product might counter the progress through increased carbon emissions in their vehicles. However, a genuine growth in interest of this product will eventually bring it closer to consumers – and probably at a better price – due to the increased demand. Addressing this dilemma, it is evident that supporting eco-friendly alternatives is inherently positive. As it sits, a vast majority of everyday and household products now compete with green alternatives and can, in theory, be replaced.
Plastic is generally regarded as the face of unsustainable living. Avoiding single-use plastics (SUP) is a realistic and viable starting point for embracing the green economy. Statistics vary regarding the mass of SUP produced every year globally, but most sources indicate that this figure sits between 300 and 400 million metric tons, with most leaning closer towards the higher figure. Such plastics are inherently aligned with the idea of consumer convenience – an understanding that is well capitalised on in the marketing strategies of businesses worldwide. The concept of recycling plastic is positive in nature, but is somewhat unrealistic – with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development indicating that only nine per cent is successfully recycled. Such figures suggest that completely avoiding plastic use is the only viable option.
Many brands now offer shampoo bars, which are presented similarly in appearance to soap bars. A simple and seemingly insignificant offering, these products they are touted to totally eliminates the need for plastic packaging. To boost the viability further, many shampoo bars are designed with 100 per cent organic materials. In this regard, liquid soap should also be avoided. Disposable razors are also widely used by adult males and females on a daily basis and generally offer only a few shaves before being discarded. Investment in safety razors eliminates the need to dispose of plastic razors, as only the blades need to be replaced.
Reusable earbuds are also now available on the market. Although this entirely corresponds with the idea of avoiding SUP, the concept of reusing sanitary products is unattractive to the greater consumer market. However, as an alternative to both plastic and reusable earbuds consumers can now purchase 100 per cent biodegradable earbuds which eliminate plastic handles and, instead, use paper sticks or bamboo. Apart from the home hygiene sector, a prominent example of plastic recycling comes in the form of eco bricks – plastic bricks stuffed with other plastic waste and used in place of traditional bricks. This supports the continual need for infrastructural expansion, which will probably never halt, but in a way that reduces the amount of non-biodegradable materials reaching landfills, our oceans, streams and even our streets. This produces glimmers of hope that the global construction industry, a key contributor to environmental harm, can now make sustainable adjustments.
Hemp refers to the cannabis plant in its non-psychoactive form (without THC). Used by humans for millennia, hemp is a highly viable alternative to many of the non-sustainable products used across most industries. Although different in design from eco-bricks, hempcrete – a combination of hemp fibres, lime and water – is now an option in regard to construction. It has high insulative properties and is light in comparison to conventional concrete. A growing industry is hemp bioplastics, whereby it now becomes possible to use ‘plastic’ and ‘biodegradability’ in the same sentence.
Cleaning materials, such as bleach, are another critical threat to the planet’s health. Consumers might become blinded by the fact that bleach goes down the drain, which may seem as if it does not actually reach our environment. However, such chemicals are extremely threatening to both water and soil as they seep into the ground below. Bleach also causes air pollution, as the reactive nature of chlorine, for instance, can react with compounds within the air, where threatening by-products such as dioxins and furans can result. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), found in chlorine, also contribute to global warming. Although bleach is toxic to the environment and people, it is unrealistic to compromise on home hygiene. However, a variety of other materials can replace bleach and these include essential oils, distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice and baking soda. Consumers embracing the green economy often combine these ingredients to produce their own DIY cleaning agents. Sources suggest that diluting bleach with large amounts of water and discarding it directly into a sewage system offers hints of eco-friendly sustainability but the work involved in this process evidently requires more effort than producing one’s own agent. The solution is clear.
CO2 emissions are also a commonly recognised threat towards the global economy. The most basic approach to solving this issue is the movement from petrol/diesel-operated vehicles to electric (EVs) or hybrid vehicles. However, this ‘solution’ is somewhat unrealistic as electric vehicles are generally substantially more expensive to purchase. The price of fuel, on the other hand must be considered, which has suffered major inflation globally in recent years. This indicates that although electric vehicles may be more costly initially, the long-term operating costs are lower. In the context of South Africa, the accessibility of charging stations precludes a massive and immediate shift to EVs, which can generally only be afforded by the elite SEM demographic consumer segments. In short, those who can afford to make the switch – do it. For those who can’t, we must consider viable alternatives. Ride-sharing, although somewhat inconvenient for those used to travelling freely on their own schedules, is a practical and simple way of reducing harmful emissions into our atmosphere. Remote working is also a significant trend that has rapidly emerged in recent years. The rise of digital means now allows businesses to continue their operations efficiently but ideally eliminating the back-and-forth trips of employees on a daily basis. This dictates a significant decrease in emissions, contributing to harm reduction of our ozone layer.
The green economy ultimately begins at home and this collective effort is the ingredient needed to manifest the vision for a sustainable and inclusive environment for all. It can begin with simply turning off lights which are not being used. However, the green economy does not solely focus on individuals and larger institutions are also considered as an integral element of this shift’s success, as a large-scale change will hasten the process. General commercial and industrial processes are often notorious for harming the environment through energy usage, resource exploitation and depletion and waste disposal.
The concept of a green business in the context of what has already been said, is not difficult to understand. However, one concern must be raised – greenwashing. Greenwashing refers to businesses capitalising on the concept of going green to sway the minds of modern consumers, of which a vast fraction now actively supports green and eco-friendly businesses over those unconcerned with the environment. Going green is a trend and marketing entities are opportunistic. With that being said, this should not dilute or compromise the authenticity of genuine green businesses.
Businesses can contribute towards the green economy in many of the same ways in which individual consumers can. Solar power, recycling facilities and supporting suppliers who do not use SUP are all basic first-steps that can be implemented to embrace the shift towards the green economy. In line with the rise of digitalisation mentioned earlier, companies that can avoid excessive paper usage and printing also contribute to less landfill waste and, more importantly, the lessened destruction of vegetation through deforestation.
Building employment opportunities is not the core goal of the green economy but rather a desired outcome that intertwines socio-economic prosperity with environmental sustainability. Dubbed ‘green jobs’, these jobs are considered to be amongst the fastest growing globally with the solar power industry being a leading industry in terms of opportunity creation. Within the context of South Africa, where a major gap exists between economic classes, this job creation can be considered as a revolutionary shift in socio-economic circumstances nationwide, which has a ripple effect in regard to community upliftment through the reduction of poverty and crime.
The rise of the green economy represents not just a shift in commercial and home practices, but a pivotal moment in our collective future. As businesses, governments and individuals increasingly embrace sustainability, we will witness a transformation that goes beyond mere hollow economics. The green economy signifies a movement towards resilience, innovation and responsibility – where profits align with planet-conscious practices and growth is measured by financial metrics, environmental impact and social upliftment. By continuing to invest in renewable energy, eco-friendly technologies and sustainable practices (both at home and in the workplace), we pave the way for a more equitable and thriving global community. The green economy isn’t just an option; it’s our only path forward to a liveable – at absolute least – and prosperous future for generations ahead.
