Businesses have a responsibility to give back to the communities they operate in. One way to do this is by getting involved in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDGs are a set of 17 goals that were created by the United Nations to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

Two of the most important SDGs are SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. SDG 12 focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. This means businesses should reduce their environmental impact and use resources more efficiently. SDG 16 focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. This means businesses should work to reduce corruption and promote justice and the rule of law.

There are many ways businesses can get involved in SDGs 12 and 16. Here are a few ideas:

• Reduce waste: Businesses can reduce waste by using less packaging, recycling and composting.
• Use sustainable materials: Businesses can use sustainable materials in their products and operations.
• Invest in renewable energy: Businesses can invest in renewable energy to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Support fair trade: Businesses can support fair trade by buying products from fair trade suppliers.
• Promote ethical labor practices: Businesses can promote ethical labor practices by ensuring their employees are paid a fair wage and have safe working conditions.
• Fight corruption: Businesses can fight corruption by refusing to pay bribes and by reporting any corruption they see.
• Promote justice and the rule of law: Businesses can promote justice and the rule of law by supporting organizations that work to uphold these principles.

Getting involved in SDGs 12 and 16 is good for business and good for the planet. It can help businesses save money, attract and retain customers, and build a positive reputation. It can also help to create a more sustainable future for all.

If you’re interested in getting involved in SDGs 12 and 16, there are many resources available to help you get started. The United Nations has a website with information about all 17 SDGs, as well as resources for businesses. There are also many non-profit organizations that work to promote sustainable development, and they can provide support and guidance to businesses that want to get involved.

Getting involved in SDGs 12 and 16 is a great way to make a difference in the world. It’s also a great way to improve your business. So what are you waiting for? Get involved today!

Here are some more resources that you can use to think through this decision

• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals website: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
• The Global Compact: https://www.unglobalcompact.org/
• The Business for Social Responsibility: https://www.bsr.org/
• https://www.undp.org/sdg-accelerator/business-and-sdgs

Written in conjunction with Stepup Standard Limited