Written By: Emily Osborne
In recent years, I’ve noticed that the word “sustainability” has become a buzzword in modern culture. I’ve heard it applied, perhaps most frequently, in terms of sustainable agriculture but also in reference to income, relationships, or even political statements. In some cases, it seems like a popular add-on to whatever the topic of conversation may be. But do we really understand what sustainability means in a practical sense? I think the effectiveness of sustainability lies in the way that we define it for ourselves and then put that definition into practice.
To me, sustainability means living so that what we consume does not vastly exceed what we contribute. It is to take care of our planet so that our planet can continue to take care of us. In a sustainable world, there is a harmonious and healthy equilibrium between the Earth and all of its inhabitants.
You might be wondering where to start in order to achieve this ultimate goal. I believe it begins with an awareness of and appreciation for our natural environment. It may be easy for us to be awe-inspired by an exquisite sunset or a mountaintop vista, but do we remember to be grateful for the seemingly mundane resources in our lives? How about the fruits and veggies that took months of cultivation before being harvested and arriving on the aisles of our local supermarket? Or the water that comes from rain, glaciers, rivers, lakes, then to be purified and travel many miles before gushing from our bathroom faucet? If we each took a moment to consider the wonder of these simple conveniences, maybe we wouldn’t be so quick to waste them.
While this preliminary step of awareness is a vital one, we can’t dwell in the realm of appreciation forever. Sustainability requires that we take action. Action should be a natural outcome of our thoughtfulness and this is where our definition of sustainability is really put to the test. Do we care enough about that fresh produce in our supermarket to check where it came from and how it was raised? Would we turn off the tap when brushing our teeth or take shorter showers if we wanted there to be an equitable amount of water available to everyone? It’s important to recognize the immense power we have as consumers and to make choices that reflect a sustainably conscious life. By doing so, we become an example for others who then may be empowered to do the same.
Sustainability is not about being afraid of a resource-deprived future or accepting limitation as an answer. It’s about appreciating what we have, making wiser consumer choices, and finding innovative solutions to current global challenges. It doesn’t just apply to the environment either. As more and more people are discovering, sustainability is essential to every field, from politics and economics to society and the natural world. We all have a part to play in making our world more sustainable. So, what does sustainability mean to you?