The EU Commission published a guide on the Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) targeting the public.

The booklet is designed to give information on “what is being done by the EU and what can be done by individuals”. Concerning EU policy actions on public health, the guide highlights the role of toxic chemicals. Lifestyle diseases are also to be tackled.

The European Union aims to:
 make sure that by 2020 chemicals, including pesticides, are produced, handled and used safely;
 curb lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity;
 improve mental health.

EU measures already include REACH, EU legislation on chemicals; the 2007-2013 Community Action in the Field of Consumer Policy, for better consumer information concerning products; the 2003-2008 Public Health Programme which promotes healthy lifestyles; CEHAPE, focusing on children health.

For more information:
  Read Commission guide “A sustainable future in our hands”
  Access the Commission webpage on the Sustainable Development Strategy