Commodity Chains and Sustainability What is a Commodity

Commodity Chains and Sustainability

What is a Commodity Chain? Definition It is a network of labour and production processes that collects resources, transforms them into products, and distributes them to consumers. A commodity chain includes primary industries, secondary industries, and tertiary industries.

Example of a Seafood Commodity Chain

What is Sustainability? A general definition of sustainability is the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level. But what does sustainability mean from an environmental perspective? • Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources • Reduce waste and pollution production

Examples of Sustainability in Commodity Chains • Plant 10 trees for every tree that is cut down • Instead of using plastic for packaging, use reusable containers to limit waste production • Consumers can bring reusable bags to grocery stores instead of purchasing plastic bags • Consider using electric appliances over fuel-burning ones (e. g. reduce pollution through the use of electric cars instead of ones that use gasoline)

Example: How Can you Make a Seafood Commodity Chain Sustainable? • Do not overfish in extraction phase, be sure to manage resources so it does not deplete • Package products in reusable containers • Consumers can purchase products from local markets to reduce car pollution • Shop using reusable bags

COMMODITY CHAINS ACTIVITY