Sustainability will always be an interesting topic to me. It is one of those words that has a different meaning depending on the context you use it in. Due to this fact there has been on going debate for ages on what the true meaning is.
Today we will explore the term in reference to living a greener lifestyle so… What is the definition of Sustainability
The Pillars of Sustainability
In most cases when sustainability is mentioned it is described in pillars. These are essentially structural elements of the idea that are separate by nature but combine to form the key elements.
Now as i’ve stated already the term sustainability is amorphous, but the pillars have are checks and balances and typically revolve around:
- Economics- The idea of having trade, distribution, production and consumption of goods and services managed responsibly with a focus on a circular system that highlights environmental and social well being. The goal is typically to create a resilient and diverse marketplace that remains profitable in perpetuity without leading to scarcity.
- Environmental- This is taking the natural world, where plants and animals live and operate and restoring degradation created by human activity as well as maintaining and nurturing the health of the planet we call home. This typically references having on low impact on biodiversity, consuming natural resources responsibly and dealing with the pollution and waste created in the consumption of said resources in perpetuity.
- Social/Human- Allowing for the individuality of all who live in the world. Providing these individuals with access to clean water and food, medical services, education and most importantly opportunity. This pillar is focused on community, and the safety of all regardless of their background and circumstances. In simple terms, quality of life.
Mercurial Terms
I think the term sustainability changes over time and that although it is made of these different elements the definition is simpler without them. As time changes the social pillar has changed, we have to remember all colors and creeds weren’t given the ability to alter their quality of life until recently and in some places that still isn’t possible. Economic markets are ran and altered by the very few who typically focus on reaping the rewards at the expense of others. The companies and individuals having the largest impact on environmental degradation do it without impunity. Often they are only cited with minuscule fines, especially when you take into account how long it would take to reverse the type of damage they can levy on the planet in a span of a few moments. Oil spills, fuel dumps, food contamination and ground water contamination are just a few of the disasters one company can excise on the rest of the world.
With that being said we will focus on sustainability of the individual. The only person you can control is yourself and a large group of socially conscious individuals can change the planet. This is sustainability.
Sustainable in the Modern Day
Sustainability is to coexist, most importantly with the planet and it’s varies forms of life or at least that is what it should be. Simply making sure if you take something away from the planet you give back what you consumed, or double it if you can.
The goal of sustainability is perpetuity. The spring water you consume today has to last forever but unlike energy, resources can be lost and destroyed, which brings us to modern day. No longer is chopping down a tree and putting back one in it’s place a sustainable option because we have already lost roughly 2 billion hectares of forests to deforestation. Only 25% of them have gone untouched by human encroachment for economic gain. Each plant, a lost a habit, an air filter, purifier and producer obliterated. Each forest an ecosystem gone, the light of biodiversity snuffed out, the soil eroded, less carbon removed less rainfall in the region etc. This is just one impact, oceans, lakes and rivers, swamps, mangroves are all facing their own Armageddon.
Living Greener
I’m sure the information you have received has put a dark cloud over you. It’s always hard to act when you feel all hope is lost but it’s not. Everything that you need to survive is supported either directly or indirectly by the environment around you. If it is lost you will have nothing, not a breathe of fresh air, or a sip of water, definitely not that Starbucks, game system or fashion nova dress.
You don’t have to sacrifice everything to be sustainable you just have to be socially conscious of your choices and mitigate them where you can. Buy a portable solar system; you can charge it during the day and use at night in your home instead of depending on city power. This may be costly at first but how much will you save by not using grid power during peak hours? Bring your own bags to grocery shop, Recycle plastics, glass and paper. Try to consume less and live more.
To be today and tomorrow
How can you meet the needs of the present while also protecting the resources of tomorrow? Is it possible to consume what you need today without negatively impacting the ability of generations in the future to successfully mitigate their own needs with these same resources? These are the big questions. Your answer to the first is your definition of being sustainable. While the answer to the second is whether it will be enough.
For me this means growing my own pesticide free, non gmo organic food when possible. Using heirloom seeds so bees have a safe place to pollinate and live without the pesticides of this countries plants killing them relentlessly. It’s using solar and wind energy instead of using the energy generated at power plants. Collected rain water and reusing it. Recycling everything I can and composting all organic matter. My idea of definition of sustainability is being a closed loop.
So what’s yours? Let me know in the comments below.
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