Sustainability, a personal view

The fall of our Nation’s economy and Climate change, are two of the events that have impacted our view of the word sustainability. One fueled by greed, tipped off by the failing housing market and the other fueled by green house gas emissions and the ambivalence of people as to how their actions are effecting our environment. Though seemingly unconnected, we know better, we used up currency as well as our natural resources as if there was a never ending supply.1 We were a run-a-way freight train heading for disaster, and these two events touched most people in some way.

Enter the new buzz word “Sustainability” not new to those who have been fighting for environmental reform. But know, most are not studying sustainability and making it there life’s work. Most will not think about sustainable practices because they are going through life with blinders on focusing on their immediate wants and needs. The definition of sustainability has been vague at most and used to assist those who wish to attach themselves to the trend of being environmentally responsible, while in reality they are not.2 It’s my hope that transparency becomes the norm so others can differentiate between those who are green and those who are Greenwashing.

Past history and a combination of other cultural and world views are essential to successfully implementing sustainable practices. Sustainability, related to survival in business terms, means making profits for your stakeholders. In regards to life itself, the stakeholders are the human race and Mother Earth, and profits are clean air, pure water, beautiful forests and healthy human beings. We all have rights to enjoy the gifts of the earth, exploiting those gifts to extinction would ultimately lead to extinction of the human race.3 As always education and communication is the key to a Sustainable life. The definition of sustainability will always evolve to meet the current needs of society, while the focus will remain be to live in harmony with the environment.

References:
1. Anderson,R.( ).The Business Logic of Sustainability. Ted Talk. Retrieved (October 5 2009)from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKMoOL16WD4
2. AtKisson, A. (Sept.-Nov.2001).A Quest for Sustainability. IONS Review #57. 4. Retrieved (October 5 2009)from http://www.noetic.org/publications/review/issue57/main.cfm?page=r57 AtKisson.html
3. Our Responsibility to The Seventh Generation: Indigenous Peoples and Sustainable Development. P19. Retrieved (October 5 2009)from http://www.ilsd.org/pdf/seventh gen.pdf