Unsustainable consumption, a phenomenon that was rampant in the developed world, has now definitely caught up with the developing, leaving great implications on our future well-being.

Globalisation and the trade liberalisation agenda of nations are driving factors in making products and services, which were once out of reach in developing countries, much more available now. Items that at one point in time were considered luxuries have now become necessities.

Increased reliance on cars as primary mode of transport has become a major contributor to increased pollution, more traffic and more use of fossil fuels.

Our meat-filled diet has encouraged factory-farming, negatively impacting our environment. Manufacturers intensify production to satisfy the ever-growing consumer demands, compromising social obligations in the process. The reality is, increased consumerism comes at a steep price.

Taking into consideration some of the global issues, such as climate change, availability of water, human rights and waste management, let us honestly ask ourselves: what are we, as consumers, doing to address these matters? Do we keep track of developments taking place around us and afar, on the future viability of our shared world?

Surely we remember the devastating East Coast floods and the Selangor water crisis - to some extent the changing weather patterns were to be blamed. Certainly it is unfair not to helm some responsibility as individuals ourselves, people who create the demand for products and services at large.

We, as people of a nation who co-habit a small corner of this world and co-exist alongside other living beings, have a role to play in managing global issues which threatens our future existence.

We, as consumers, are more than just partners for growth, possessing the ability to encourage adoption of sustainable business practices among service providers and those manufacturing goods across a myriad of industries.

Short-term gains would leave us to pay a hefty price over the longer time period. As people possessing buying power, we as consumers can create a demand for sustainable products and services. But are we up for this challenge to make sound buying decisions for products and services?

Simply said, the manufacturing of goods entail resources which generates waste and as well as emissions. Consumption of goods and services results in greenhouse gas emissions and generation of waste, i.e. disposal of food and/or product packages.

Did we know, factory farming, depending on type, can contribute towards species extinction, water pollution, habitat destruction, exploitation of fisheries and more? It is worth noting that labour exploitation is also prevalent across the business value chain.

In a nutshell, the world in which we exist has limited resources. What was once in abundance is fast becoming scarce and quite honestly, by revisiting our own consumption pattern, we as consumers have the inherent power to dictate the type of world which we want to live in.

We are able to force producers and service providers to take appropriate steps by being prudent in adopting responsible business as well as operational practices.

The Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM) believes that if we as consumers start to scrutinise and become more careful, then businesses and regulators will have to follow suit. Every small change is necessary.

Are we ready to mould our world to truly become a better place, at least keeping the future generations in mind? We must identify and implement ways on maintaining a high quality of life by minimising consumption, and contribute towards promoting sustainability. Indeed, we as consumers, play a critical role, one which is often undermined.

A small lifestyle change can make a big difference, so long you are up for it.

Are you?

DARSHAN SINGH DHILLON is president, Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM).