SUSTAINABILITY 101

a term that’s being loosely thrown around and labeled on many things. So, you probably know what it is, but if you don’t, let’s dive into some of the basics.

what is it

By fancy google/oxford dictionary definition: sus·tain·a·bil·i·ty /səˌstānəˈbilədē/

noun: sustainability:

  • the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

    "the sustainability of economic growth"

  • avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.

    "the pursuit of global environmental sustainability"

For this article and what we do, we are looking at the latter definition.

 
 

what does it mean

By this given definition this means, we are trying not to use up all the natural resources or supplies that the earth gives us. Natural resources equate to water usage, fossil fuel consumption, minerals, logging, fishing, mining, farming - to name the biggest ones.

 
 

what are the causes of natural resource depletion

  • Overpopulation - not terrible, yes, a factor, but something manageable if we help in some shape or form from the causes below.

  • Overconsumption and Waste

  • Deforestation and the Destruction of Ecosystems

  • Mining of Minerals and Oil

  • Technological and Industrial Development

  • Erosion

  • Pollution and Contamination of resources

Bottom line, not being smart about what we’re doing and using. This ends up being a factor in Climate Change. Sustainability and climate change go hand in hand - in our opinion.

 
 

why should I care

If we don’t have enough natural resources, well the earth (and us) do not operate as it should. Bioecological and biodivesity are really what makes our world go around. It’s kind of amazing to think everything on this planet has some type of role, from weather patterns to ice melting, to trees, to ants and bees.

We love seeing nature, anyone who doesn’t, well, we would have to say, we guess you don’t like water, trees, air, food or your home. All these “things” are natural or are some form of natural resources. Key word “natural” aka nature.

You should care because you as a human need these in order to actually live. Realistically thinking, this earth is a loan and not ours. It will continue to be the next generation and generations thereafter. From the beginning of Adam and Eve, Lucy or your whichever your belief system is, there were people before our time and thank

 
 

why is sustainability good for the planet

For the first time in human civilization we are actually taking more than we actually should. Should meaning, let’s not be greedy. Ideally, we think the majority of us would like to have a planet that future generations can have and enjoy. Have a place to live, vacation (think ski trips, beaches, parks, etc), bottom line just enjoy.

 
 

why is it important for my family

Not only is it important to have a world that they can live on and enjoy, but actually it’s important that there’s human existence in years to come.

 
 

how/where can I start

Education and curiosity are the most important first steps. You have a willingness to learn.

Learn more about sustainability in our Sustainable Development post which talks about the 3 pillars of sustainability and how it plays into our everyday life.

For more information, there are many articles and research on sustainability. Here’s a few to get started: THE WORLD COUNTS, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), UCLA

our related articles

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT | CLIMATE CHANGE | HEALTHY BUILDINGS