The transition triangle

Will I have to do everything myself? Many consumers ask this question when the issue of the transition to sustainability arises. Whether it’s buying locally sourced, plant-based organic foods, switching to green power, cycling or taking the bus instead of the car – there is no shortage of tips on how to behave sustainably. To enable consumers to make the right choices, however, the right frameworks often have to be put in place first: this requires companies to offer sustainable products and government regulation to create the right incentives (as well as legal bans in some cases if necessary). The question we must ask ourselves is this: in the stakeholder triangle – businesses, policy-makers and consumers – who is responsible for what? Where do businesses and policy-makers need to take action first, before consumers can make good choices?

It's a question that we have to clarify sector by sector. There are some areas where all the stakeholders can take action. Transport is an example: here, the state – from the federal to the local level – must ensure that good bus and rail services, attractive cycle routes and footpaths are available while dismantling the privileges enjoyed by car transport. Industry must offer comfortable, emissions-free vehicles. And consumers have a role to play as well – by managing without a car whenever possible and taking the bus or cycling instead, or perhaps simply walking from time to time.

To empower us to adopt sustainable behaviour, the right services and frameworks have to be in place. So they are a key focus of attention in this issue of eco@work. But we also identify areas where, as consumers, we are in the driving seat and can make a major contribution to environmental protection and climate action. We show that we can make a difference – if suitable and affordable offers are available. In my neighbourhood, for example, it is not always possible for everyone to make every journey by public transport or bike. And a crate of one’s favourite beer isn’t easy to pack into a cycle bag. That’s one of the reasons why I still own a car, which I rarely have to use these days, I’m happy to say. I’ve signed up to a carsharing scheme, with the first (electric) car now available nearby – but there’s just the one. If the scheme is expanded and a cargo bike is even added at some stage, I hope to be able to get rid of the car for good.

We don’t have to do everything ourselves. We have to do it together. Are you with us?

Yours,

Christof Timpe
CEO, Oeko-Institut

c.timpe@oeko.de