What is Sustainability?
By Steve Sandstrom, Former Alliance for Sustainability Board Member and Past President
What is "sustainability"? The word has been bantered about for awhile now and I wish there was a better word to describe the efforts being made to create a healthier community, but to this point I haven’t heard of a better alternative. When I hear the word “sustain” I think of being able to just get by. I have enough to survive, but no more. When I think of the efforts being made under the banner of sustainability in this community, I don’t think about creating the conditions necessary to just get by, but rather to create the conditions that allow us to thrive. Creating a community that is healthy in every aspect; socially, environmentally and economically.
In 1987, the Brundtland Report, Our Common Future, coined the definition of sustainable development that is still most frequently quoted as the definition of sustainability; “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. This is certainly a very broad statement and although it may be true it is a statement that when most people hear it they scratch their heads and ask, “What the heck does that mean?”
Instead of getting stuck on creating the perfect definition of the word, perhaps we should focus on sustainability as a set of principles by which we can live that will protect our planet, our own health and well-being as well as protect the rights of all creatures both human and non-human. In his recent book, “The Sustainability Revolution”, Andres Edwards lists 39 different sets of principles that all fall under the heading if sustainability or sustainable development. “The Natural Step Framework” that Ashland, Washburn and Bayfield have all adopted as part of their Eco-Municipality Resolutions is an example of one of these sets of principles.
Edwards points out in his book that it is possible to identify seven common themes in all of the different sets of principles cited in his book. If we examine these common themes I believe we can identify the fundamental values that are necessary for all of us to embrace if we want to live in a community that truly can thrive rather than survive.
The seven common themes include:
· Earth Stewardship: It is an essential component in all the sets of principles. This includes the conservation and preservation of natural resources including water, air, soil, minerals, and fossil fuels. It also includes protecting species biodiversity.
· Respect for Limits: We need to live within our means. We cannot continue to act as if resources are infinite and human populations can expand indefinitely. We live in a finite World and need to live accordingly.
· Interdependence: We must begin to understand the importance of taking a ‘system” perspective. We are part of a complicated ecological system that we depend on for our survival. We must understand the “interconnectedness” of environmental, economic and social issues. These issues cannot be addressed independent of one another.
· Economic Restructuring: We need to take a serious look at the way we do business. We need to adopt business practices that conserve energy and resources and do not produce waste. We need to incorporate practices that promote cooperation and optimum efficiency. Ironically, businesses are finding out that sustainable business practices are leading to more profits and not less as is often expressed by some members of the business community.
· Fair Distribution: Edwards states, “A fair and equitable distribution of resources involves a shift in social values applied through government policies such as tax changes and through socially responsible corporate practices that addresses issues faced by low-income communities.”
· Intergeneration perspective: This theme reminds me of the Native American view of taking into account the needs of the “seventh generation”. We need to begin to focus more on the long-term needs of our community and not just the performance of the next corporate “Quarterly Report”. We have a responsibility to our great-great-grandchildren to insure that we leave the planet in good condition so they can live healthy, fulfilling lives.
· Nature as a model and teacher: This addresses the need for humans to look to nature for the answer instead of arrogantly trying to “invent” new solutions and ignoring the “expertise” of Nature. Is it wise to develop a toxic pesticide when we can look at the way Nature has solved the same problem without disrupting the whole ecosystem? There is a new industry that is emerging called bio-mimicry that looks to nature first and it has found some incredible solutions to problems that cover a wide range of fields from aeronautics, medicine, adhesives, pesticides and many more.
The principles of sustainability are not a political ideology. They should not be characterized as liberal or conservative ideas. Sustainability is a context in which we can “be” a liberal or conservative, or a capitalist or socialist. This effort needs to be inclusive, participatory and democratic if we want it to succeed. A diversity of ideas is critical; both liberal and conservative. We need members of the business community, the faith community, municipal officials and employees, non-profit organizations, and every other group within our community to participate. And they are.
As a business owner, teacher and active community member I have been able to observe the sustainability movement from a number of perspectives and am confident that we are moving in the right direction. We have much to do and many tall hurdles to jump, but I am amazed by the growing enthusiasm for sustainable development here on Chequamegon Bay and this really gives me hope for our future.
What is "sustainability"? The word has been bantered about for awhile now and I wish there was a better word to describe the efforts being made to create a healthier community, but to this point I haven’t heard of a better alternative. When I hear the word “sustain” I think of being able to just get by. I have enough to survive, but no more. When I think of the efforts being made under the banner of sustainability in this community, I don’t think about creating the conditions necessary to just get by, but rather to create the conditions that allow us to thrive. Creating a community that is healthy in every aspect; socially, environmentally and economically.
In 1987, the Brundtland Report, Our Common Future, coined the definition of sustainable development that is still most frequently quoted as the definition of sustainability; “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. This is certainly a very broad statement and although it may be true it is a statement that when most people hear it they scratch their heads and ask, “What the heck does that mean?”
Instead of getting stuck on creating the perfect definition of the word, perhaps we should focus on sustainability as a set of principles by which we can live that will protect our planet, our own health and well-being as well as protect the rights of all creatures both human and non-human. In his recent book, “The Sustainability Revolution”, Andres Edwards lists 39 different sets of principles that all fall under the heading if sustainability or sustainable development. “The Natural Step Framework” that Ashland, Washburn and Bayfield have all adopted as part of their Eco-Municipality Resolutions is an example of one of these sets of principles.
Edwards points out in his book that it is possible to identify seven common themes in all of the different sets of principles cited in his book. If we examine these common themes I believe we can identify the fundamental values that are necessary for all of us to embrace if we want to live in a community that truly can thrive rather than survive.
The seven common themes include:
· Earth Stewardship: It is an essential component in all the sets of principles. This includes the conservation and preservation of natural resources including water, air, soil, minerals, and fossil fuels. It also includes protecting species biodiversity.
· Respect for Limits: We need to live within our means. We cannot continue to act as if resources are infinite and human populations can expand indefinitely. We live in a finite World and need to live accordingly.
· Interdependence: We must begin to understand the importance of taking a ‘system” perspective. We are part of a complicated ecological system that we depend on for our survival. We must understand the “interconnectedness” of environmental, economic and social issues. These issues cannot be addressed independent of one another.
· Economic Restructuring: We need to take a serious look at the way we do business. We need to adopt business practices that conserve energy and resources and do not produce waste. We need to incorporate practices that promote cooperation and optimum efficiency. Ironically, businesses are finding out that sustainable business practices are leading to more profits and not less as is often expressed by some members of the business community.
· Fair Distribution: Edwards states, “A fair and equitable distribution of resources involves a shift in social values applied through government policies such as tax changes and through socially responsible corporate practices that addresses issues faced by low-income communities.”
· Intergeneration perspective: This theme reminds me of the Native American view of taking into account the needs of the “seventh generation”. We need to begin to focus more on the long-term needs of our community and not just the performance of the next corporate “Quarterly Report”. We have a responsibility to our great-great-grandchildren to insure that we leave the planet in good condition so they can live healthy, fulfilling lives.
· Nature as a model and teacher: This addresses the need for humans to look to nature for the answer instead of arrogantly trying to “invent” new solutions and ignoring the “expertise” of Nature. Is it wise to develop a toxic pesticide when we can look at the way Nature has solved the same problem without disrupting the whole ecosystem? There is a new industry that is emerging called bio-mimicry that looks to nature first and it has found some incredible solutions to problems that cover a wide range of fields from aeronautics, medicine, adhesives, pesticides and many more.
The principles of sustainability are not a political ideology. They should not be characterized as liberal or conservative ideas. Sustainability is a context in which we can “be” a liberal or conservative, or a capitalist or socialist. This effort needs to be inclusive, participatory and democratic if we want it to succeed. A diversity of ideas is critical; both liberal and conservative. We need members of the business community, the faith community, municipal officials and employees, non-profit organizations, and every other group within our community to participate. And they are.
As a business owner, teacher and active community member I have been able to observe the sustainability movement from a number of perspectives and am confident that we are moving in the right direction. We have much to do and many tall hurdles to jump, but I am amazed by the growing enthusiasm for sustainable development here on Chequamegon Bay and this really gives me hope for our future.