What does sustainability mean to me?
The definition of sustainability is often described as something along the lines of “the ability to continue an action without the risk of failure or collapse.” While this is accurate and certainly illustrates the end-goal of sustainability, I also believe there is far more to the word, the lifestyle, and the objectives of sustainable ways. When I think of sustainability, I think of more than just the effort to ensure that resources are being used in a manner that considers and prioritizes environmental conservation. I think sustainability entails optimal utilization of resources that really considers and prioritizes respect and gratitude as well. A sustainable lifestyle is motivated by respect for the earth and all of those who inhabit it. Perhaps most importantly, sustainability respects those who will inhabit the earth long after we are gone. Future generations will benefit the most from our conservation of resources, and an environmentally sound world should always be a universal birthright.
In order to achieve this obligatory respect called sustainability, decisions must be altered at the individual level as well as the economic and political levels. Simple and convenient tasks can be taken such as recycling and numerous home efficiency measures. Factories could rely on more renewable energies rather than fossil fuels, and businesses should abide by government enforced emissions levels to control GHG emissions. Additionally, educational programs and research on renewables should be vast and accessible. By adopting these sort of concrete policies and considerations, we can take strides toward the abstract beauty of a sustainable world. As climate change exacerbates global disagreements regarding land and resources, by countering environmental degradation, we can all take cohesive strides toward a universal goal.