I recently came upon this article on what sustainablity means and how the value of that word is diminishing. It was so accurate I wanted to share it as well as add some of my own comments. The following is an excerpt from Daylesford Organic Farm Journal.
“These days, when you open a newspaper, turn on the TV or check social media you are likely to spot a mention of “sustainability” before long. Whatever the topic, be it politics, fashion, food, transport, agriculture or relationships, “sustainability” seems to be the latest buzzword thrown around at every opportunity. As the use of the word becomes more frequent, its importance is in danger of being diluted. Are we loosing our grasp on what sustainability really means?
Sustainabilty is defined by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) as economic activity that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. But today, it has more pressing and time-sensitive meaning; that of reducing our collective harm on the environment and ultimately reversing the damage we have already caused.
Sustainability means we are all responsible for our planet, and we must all take action. How we take action is where our personal understanding of the word is really put to the test. Our modern life is full of convenience: water, electricity, fuel, clothing and food are all readily available and require very little thought to obtain. But if we took a little time to consider the environmental implications of each, perhaps we wouldn’t be so quick to waste them.”
So what does sustainability mean on a personal level? How can we as consumers effect change? I believe we each have the power in some small way to help our environment. Whether you shop local, recycle, use less energy or simply commit to living a more simplified lifestyle that respects the planet. We as individuals can really make a difference by seeking out sustainable solutions. Ultimately sustainability means we all take actions. We all have a part to play, however small. And by setting an example we empower others to do the same.
In my garden I try to grow as many herbs and fruits as possible. Living in the city does not aford much gardening space and in my case much sun due to tall trees. I have tried to create a beautifully landscaped garden that follows the architecture of my home while considering drought tolerant plants to save water in addition to incorporating as much produce as possible. Balancing my asthetic needs as well as environmental considerations is most important to me. I buy local, shopping at farmers markets and choose the produce grown locally in the market. I have always been a romantic, low light person so conserving energy is an easy one for me. I have no air conditioning and I run my dishwasher and laundry at night, not during peak hours. I would love to compost but don’t have the space. This year I need to make more of an effort to recycle. I feel horrible writing that but it is not my forte. These are some of the small ways I try to make a difference.
What drives you to make a difference? How are you sustainable? Let us not make this the tag word of our generation but rather the change we want to see in the world. Ask yourself these questions and see if there isn’t something more you could be doing. The littlest of shifts in how we live our lives can prove to be effective. Plant well, eat well, shop well, live well!