CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) once again highlights the importance of sustainable consumption in this year's celebration of Consumer Welfare Month.

DTI Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Almer Masillones said DTI started the campaign on sustainable consumption and production in 2018 to help shape consumer behavior and since then, the theme of the Consumer Welfare Month celebration has revolved around sustainable consumption and consumerism.

This year's theme is "GenS: Generation Sustainable" to underscore the importance of responsible consumption and the adoption of sustainable consumer practices.

It also spotlights the rise of sustainability-oriented consumers. 

Masillones said consumers have become more conscious when purchasing clothing and footwear, fixing and buying secondhand clothes, and choosing brands based on sustainability and ethical practices.

"We have seen that customers are starting to embrace sustainability," she said, citing some survey findings showing that consumers now value circularity. 

Accordingly, 53% claimed to have repaired an item instead of replacing it with a new equivalent, 40% have bought secondhand or refurbished goods, and 38% paid extra for a more durable or longer-lasting product.

Seeing the increasing number of people adopting sustainable lifestyles, DTI MisOr continues to reinforce the advocacy to encourage more consumers to make conscious and sustainable choices. 

Masillones said they will conduct a Forum on Generation Sustainable on October 26 to explain the different ways to practice sustainable consumption and how each individual can support the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and Ambisyon Natin 2040. (APB/PIA-10 Misamis Oriental)