After I wrote a post about getting started with sustainability actions, I started thinking about what sustainability means. We hear the word a lot but how much do we know about what sustainability really means? I looked at some definitions and thought about what I know about our planet. Here’s what I think sustainability means.
One article used the phrase “healthy planet”. In the biggest sense, sustainability means that individuals, corporations, and governments make choices that support a healthy planet. A healthy planet is one where all of the creatures (including people) and plants can live healthy lives in a habitat that supports them, for many millennia into the future. Based on this definition, we have a long way to go to reach sustainability. We are using irreplaceable resources at an alarming rate, polluting the planet, quickly losing biodiversity and habitat, and changing our climate. And there is no Planet B. I am not suggesting that everyone needs to cut back to using only enough resources to barely remain alive, because there is more to life than just existing. However, if we make lifestyle changes where we can, it will make a difference. Each of us needs to evaluate our own situation - what aspects of our lifestyle are most important to us and what aspects we can change. Start your sustainability lifestyle changes using baby steps so the effort is not overwhelming. Here is a more detailed list of aspects I would include in addressing sustainability. The list seems overwhelming, but don’t let that stop you from taking baby steps. I’ll write more on each of these topics as time goes by.
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