Sustainability: What does it mean to you?

by Michaella, October 6, 2009 at 5:50am

"The future belongs to those who understand that doing more with less is compassionate, prosperous and enduring and thus more intelligent, even competitive."

- Paul Hawken

Sustainability is a word commonly used among environmentalist and socially responsible consumers.

Sustainability was first brought to the public's attention during the 1987 United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (also known as the Brundtland commission). The UN defined sustainability as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Nancy Gabriel, director of the Donella Meadows Leadership Fellows Program at the Sustainability Institute in Hartland, Vt believes sustainability revolves around three words: the environment, economy and social justice. Her belief resembles Center for a New American Dream's mission, which is to help Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice.

How would you define sustainability?

While the fact that the term has been used in numerous news reports, speeches, and advertisements is positive, is it possible that it has been overused and is slowly losing its meaning? Is it simply a term people use to appear environmentally friendly, whether or not they are aware of the definition?

Despite some reluctance that Americans can overcome consumerism culture and live a simple life, I believe we can look forward to a clean and bright sustainable future. For instance, college campuses are making an effort to become more sustainable by instituting recycling programs, clean energy rallies, and sustainable courses into their curriculum. In addition President Obama has plans to expand the green jobs market and convert the White House to meet LEED standards. The recession has also caused people to focus less on monetary value and consumptions to spend more time within their community and family members.

To sum up, Marshall McLuhan said, "There are no passengers on spaceship earth. We are all crew."

We must all do our part to become conscious consumers and create a better place for the future generation.