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What is Sustainable Development and how can I get involved an issue that seems so broad?
Author and activist Paul Hawken defined sustainable development as the act in which people act "to restore the world in full." The concept of sustainable development has been a buzzword lately because of the controversial World Summit on Sustainable Development, which had mixed critiques. The Oakland-based think-tank, Redefining Progress, defines sustainability as,
resolving the conflict between two competing goals: the sustenance
of human life and the integrity of nature. Why two competing goals?
Living beyond our ecological means will lead to the destruction of
humanity's only home. Having insufficient natural resources, and living
in unsatisfactory and inequitable ways will cause destructive conflict
and degrade our social fabric. In a sense, we putting a new spin on
the old nature vs. nurture question. How can we get nurture without
destroying its ultimate source, nature?
Sustainability is a truly holistic act that involves being a responsible and active citizen in regards to human and environmental issues. In remembering to shut off all lights and electronic devices when you're not using them is sustainable living. When you volunteer to protect your watershed or just simply go to your library to learn about how you can protect your environment, you are participating in sustainable living. It may seem as if some of the current events on sustainable development stretched out into a global level, but you can act locally, even in your own backyard by composting. The opportunities are endless.
Here are some links that may help:
Center for a New
American Dream
Very informative website on sustainability for adults and children!
Global
Stewards
This site contains many links on sustainable living.
Redefining
Progress
This is the website for the Oakland-based "think-tank" dedicated to sustainable development.
International
Institute for Sustainable Development
A website about an organization that is dedicated to sustainability for all.
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