World Consumer Rights Day to Focus on Sustainable Living

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) will be engaging consumers across Jamaica through a series of educational and interactive activities in observance of World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) 2025.

These engagements, under the local theme ‘Sustainable Living – Fi All Ah Wi’, are designed to encourage environmentally responsible consumption and promote sustainable practices in key areas such as food security, health and wellness, and energy efficiency.

It is in keeping with the global theme set by Consumers International: ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,’ which recognises the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts, while ensuring that sustainable living remains accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all consumers.

Speaking with JIS News, Chief Executive Officer at the CAC, Dolsie Allen, said that activities will kick off on Wednesday (March 12) with the mounting of informational displays in libraries across the island, providing consumers with key insights into sustainable living and how they can incorporate these practices into their daily lives.

These displays will be available for public viewing for a week, allowing Jamaicans to engage with the information at their convenience.

Through these displays, the CEO pointed out that “what we really want for WCRD is an increased awareness of the things we need to do to be more sustainable. We need to change our lifestyle and how we approach things so that we can be happier as a people.”

On Friday (March 14), the CAC will host its Sustainability Lifestyle Expo at the Cecil Charlton Park in Mandeville from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This flagship event will feature booth exhibitions by key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Scientific Research Council, Bureau of Standards, and FosRich Group of Companies.

There will be live demonstrations on composting and backyard gardening as well as panel discussions on the essential steps towards a sustainable future.

It will include an Upcycling Competition aimed at encouraging sustainable consumer habits, where participants will transform unwanted clothing into new outfits and home decor pieces, the CAC CEO shared.

On Saturday, March 15, which is World Consumer Rights Day, a special church service will be held at Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston.

This service, held in collaboration with the National Consumers League, underscores the importance of faith in guiding sustainable practices and responsible consumption.

“As we focus on sustainable lifestyles, we must acknowledge our sustainer, who is Jesus Christ, so we’re going to be having this church service where all are invited to attend,” Mrs. Allen said.

Later that day, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, will deliver a national broadcast, reinforcing the importance of consumer rights and sustainable living for Jamaica’s future.

On Sunday, March 16 through Friday, March 21, the Minister’s message will be shared across multiple platforms, including churches, schools, business places, and community groups, ensuring widespread public engagement and awareness.

The CAC Head emphasised that sustainable living is a collective responsibility and should not come at the expense of consumers’ rights or financial well-being.

“We all are consumers and we all need to learn about our rights and take responsibility for ourselves and ensure that we are living in a way that is sustainable,” said Mrs. Allen.

“As we celebrate World Consumer Rights Day 2025, let us play our part in protecting your rights and securing our future,” she encouraged.

The CAC is urging all Jamaicans to participate in World Consumer Rights Day 2025 activities and commit to making small but impactful lifestyle changes for the betterment of both people and the planet.

This effort aligns with the National Consumer Policy, which seeks to establish a structured approach to enhancing consumer policies among government bodies and key stakeholders.

By embracing sustainable living practices, consumers play a crucial role in shaping a resilient and consumer-focused Jamaica.

For more information on the Sustainability Lifestyle Expo and other WCRD 2025 activities, visit www.cac.gov.jm or follow the CAC on social media @ConsumerAffairsJamaica.