What are the 17 sustainable development goals? (how you can make a difference)

The 17 goals of sustainable development were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. These objectives aim to create a better world for all by ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and healthy life.

While it may seem daunting to tackle all 17 goals, there are many ways that individuals can make a difference and incorporate some of these into their daily lives. 

Ways to incorporate UN’s 17 sustainable development goals into your daily routine

1. No Poverty: Eradicating poverty is a critical SDG. Poverty is a significant barrier to sustainable development, and it affects more than 700 million people worldwide. To contribute to this goal, we can support social programs and initiatives that address poverty and inequality. We can also be mindful of our consumption habits and purchase products that are produced in a way that supports local communities and fair trade practices.
   (Source: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty/brief/global-extreme-poverty-is-expected-to-rise-in-2020-for-the-first-time-in-over-20-years)
   
   
2. Zero Hunger: Ending world hunger is one of the most significant global challenges, with an estimated 690 million people experiencing hunger worldwide. We can contribute to this goal by reducing food waste, supporting local food systems, and making sustainable food choices. This includes choosing foods with lower environmental impacts, reducing meat consumption, and supporting organic and regenerative agriculture practices.
   (Source: http://www.fao.org/zero-hunger/en/)

    

3. Good Health and Well-being: Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, and improving health outcomes is essential for sustainable development. We can support this goal by taking care of our physical and mental health, such as by biking rather than taking a car or public transport to work/school.
   (Source: https://www.who.int/sdg/targets/en/)
   
   
4. Quality Education: Education is a powerful tool for development, and ensuring access to quality education is essential for achieving sustainable development. We can contribute to this goal by advocating for educational opportunities for all, supporting education programs and initiatives, and promoting lifelong learning. (Source: https://en.unesco.org/sustainable-development-goal-4)

    

5. Gender Equality: Gender inequality remains a significant barrier to sustainable development. Women face discrimination and exclusion from decision-making, education, employment, and other opportunities. We can support this goal by challenging gender stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities, supporting organizations that advance women’s rights, and advocating for policies that promote gender equality.
   (Source: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/gender-equality-in-the-2030-agenda-for-sustainable-development)
   
   
6. Clean Water and Sanitation: Access to clean water and sanitation is critical for health and well-being, economic development, and environmental sustainability. We can contribute to this goal by conserving water, reducing pollution, and supporting organizations that provide access to clean water and sanitation services. (Source: https://www.unicef.org/wash/water-and-sanitation)

    

7. Affordable and Clean Energy: Access to affordable and clean energy is essential for sustainable development, and it is also crucial for combating climate change. We can support this goal by reducing our energy consumption, promoting energy-efficient technologies, and advocating for policies that support clean energy. (Source: https://www.iea.org/topics/sustainable-development-goals)

    

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Economic growth and employment are critical components of sustainable development. We can contribute to this goal by supporting local businesses and sustainable production practices, advocating for policies that promote decent work and fair pay, and supporting organizations that work to reduce inequality and promote economic growth

    

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure are essential for economic development and job creation. We can support this goal by promoting sustainable industrial practices, advocating for investments in research and development, and supporting organizations that promote sustainable infrastructure development.
   (Source: https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal9)
   
   
10. Reduced Inequalities: Inequality remains a significant barrier to sustainable development, with marginalized and vulnerable groups facing discrimination and exclusion. We can support this goal by challenging biases and discrimination, advocating for policies that promote social inclusion, and supporting organizations that work to reduce inequality.
    (Source: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/inequality/)

     

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Building sustainable and resilient cities and communities is crucial for achieving sustainable development. We can support this goal by promoting sustainable urban planning and development, reducing waste and pollution, and supporting organizations that work to create sustainable communities. (Source: https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal11)

     

12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Responsible consumption and production are essential for reducing waste, preserving natural resources, and protecting the environment. We can support this goal by reducing our consumption of single-use plastics, recycling and composting, choosing sustainable and locally produced products, and supporting organizations that promote responsible consumption and production.
    (Source: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-consumption-production/)

     

13. Climate Action: Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing our planet, and taking action to address it is critical for achieving sustainable development. We can support this goal by reducing our carbon footprint, advocating for policies that promote renewable energy and sustainable practices, and supporting organizations that work to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
    (Source: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement)
    
    
14. Life Below Water: Protecting our oceans and marine life is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and preserving biodiversity. We can support this goal by reducing plastic waste, advocating for sustainable fishing practices, and supporting organizations that work to protect marine ecosystems.
    (Source: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/oceans/)

     

15. Life on Land: Preserving our land and natural ecosystems is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, reducing climate change, and ensuring sustainable development. We can support this goal by reducing deforestation and supporting reforestation efforts, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and supporting organizations that work to protect and preserve natural habitats.
    (Source: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/)
    
    
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Building peaceful and just societies is critical for achieving sustainable development. We can support this goal by advocating for human rights, promoting social justice and inclusion, and supporting organizations that work to promote peace and security.
    (Source: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/peace-justice/)

     

17. Partnerships for the Goals: Highlights the importance of collaboration and partnerships across different sectors and actors for achieving sustainable development. While this goal is focused more on collective action, individuals can still incorporate it into their daily lives by supporting organizations that work towards sustainable development, engaging in dialogue and collaboration with people from different sectors and backgrounds, and advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize sustainability.
    (Source: https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal17)
    
    

Incorporating the SDGs into our daily lives may seem like a small step, but it can have a big impact. By taking action in our own communities, we can work towards a better future for all. 

At Donkey Republic we strive to make the lives of those living in urban areas more liveable. By promoting the use of sustainable transport, not only promoting the reduction of CO2, but also the well-being and development of physical and mental health through daily exercise. Explore what Donkey Republic can do for you and your city here. Let’s make the SDGs a part of our daily lives and create a more sustainable world for future generations. For updates and news on Donkey Republic’s initiatives, sign up to our newsletter and be the first to receive tips and tricks for a greener and more sustainable future through bike sharing.