What is sustainability?

Sustainability essentially means to provide support and prolong or preserve something. What we hope to preserve and support is life on planet earth. Think of sustainability as an approach to life that causes the least possible harm to the natural world and all that lives in it.

Why is sustainability important?

Ultimately we live in a world with finite resources. The main goal of sustainability is to protect  and preserve the planet so that future generations also have enough resources.  

Our actions now shouldn’t be at the expense of our fellow creatures or humans or future generations.

Is being sustainable difficult?

It’s not always easy to make sustainable choices in a society where overconsumption and relentless consumerism is encouraged and is the norm.

However, people are becoming aware of the impact our lives have on the world. Consequently, people are demanding more sustainable produces and companies and governments are starting to pay attention. Remember, more often than not, our choices drive the market place and it is our choice that will drive changes. 

One of the most common myths about sustainability is that it is expense. While there are sustainably sourced products that are more expensive, there are numerous sustainable habits that will save you a considerable amount of money. Things such as growing your own food, eliminating waste, downsizing and living on less all have an enormous impact on your monthly expenses. Sustainability is often about only using what you need. That alone makes your life much less expensive. 

Confucius once said,  'If your plan is for one year plant rice. If your plan is for ten years plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years educate children. '

Take every chance you get to teach someone about sustainability. Remember that preventing one piece of trash from going to the landfill is not going to save the planet. However, a lifetime of sustainable habits will.