What is a green economy?  According to the UN Environment Programme,  the Green Economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.  

Celebrating World Environment Day this June 5th, the theme for 2012 explores what a green economy is and what this means on an individual level.  Practically speaking from our sustainability consulting perspective, a green economy relates to sustainability as two sides of the same coin.   Business sustainability and personal sustainability.   As we've noted in previous posts, businesses are stepping up to the plate.  As a consumer, are you?

We state in our professional consulting, personal sustainability is about addressing the environmental concerns of carbon, water, and energy on a smaller scale: your life.   Here's where the tried and true adage applies: "What gets measured, gets managed." While expressed more frequently in a business setting, it applies to our personal lives as well.  How to do it?

First identify what your impacts are , then take consistent eco action to reduce them.   "Nearly every large corporation, and many smaller ones, have instituted a range of programs to reduce or eliminate wasteful, polluting, and toxic practices. Many of their goals are bold — to achieve zero waste, closed-loop manufacturing, Cradle-to-Cradle products, or carbon-neutral operations."  

How can we as consumers integrate these sustainable business strategies into the fabric of our daily lives?

• Zero waste:  Tips to Living a Zero Waste Lifestyle
• Water: Reduce Your Water Footprint
• Energy:  A Personal 20-20-20 Plan
• Educated Consumer
• E-Waste: Responsible Disposal Options

As consumers we have a responsibility to personal eco integrity.  Aligning values and fulfilling on commitments to sustainability in our personal lives is holding us accountable for the very commitments and eco actions we are asking our leaders and sustainable businesses to make.   

While this particular day may be targeted to be the people's day for positive eco action and demonstrates how individual actions can create an exponential impact, truly every day has an opportunity to expand eco awareness.  As Albert Einstein said, "It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it."  

Which eco actions will you take for World Environment Day?