“Every inhabitant of this planet must contemplate the day when this planet may no longer be habitable.”

So proclaimed President Kennedy whilst addressing the United Nations.

The formalisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (or SDG’s) this week in New York further confirms the wisdom of Kennedy’s words.  The goals and targets according to Nick O’Malley, “provide a framework by which governments, non-government organisations and private enterprise can work in co-operation in their aid and development efforts’. They highlight significant global challenges, involving all countries, which necessitate intelligent solutions and are intended to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Of particular interest and importance is Goal 12.4 stating that “By 2020, [nations] achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle…and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment’. Making smart and safe decisions in the selection of chemicals is a critical step to achieving this goal. eWater systems electrolysed water solutions are safe throughout the whole life cycle for both people and planet.

According to Professor John Thwaites Chair of the Monash University Sustainability Institute, these goals go a step further. He said they ”offer the opportunity for a ‘win-win’ for Australia: by promoting more sustainable development we can improve the quality of life and opportunity here in Australia while also promoting prosperity in many developing countries in our region. This will be vital for our economic future and security”.

We all have a responsibility to do all we can to reduce our use of harmful chemicals. Endorsing these goals is a positive step in strengthening Australia’s resolve to achieving sustainable chemical usage and management.