Sustainability is the ability to sustain or conserve a process or system.
The word sustainable comes from the Latin sustain and it means sustaining, supporting, conserving and caring.
The concept of sustainability addresses how to act in relation to nature. Furthermore, it can be applied from a community to the entire planet.
Sustainability is achieved through Sustainable Development, defined as:
"development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
Sustainable development aims to preserve the planet and meet human needs. This means that a sustainably exploited natural resource will last forever and be able to be exploited by future generations as well.
Sustainability Tripod
The call sustainability tripod it is based on three principles: social, environmental and economic. These three factors need to be integrated for sustainability to actually happen. Without them, sustainability cannot be sustained.
- Social: Includes people and their living conditions, such as education, health, violence, leisure, among other aspects.
- Environmental: Refers to the planet's natural resources and how they are used by society, communities or companies.
- Economic: Related to the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. The economy must consider the social and environmental issue.
The sustainability tripod: social, environmental and economic aspects need to work together
know more about Sustainable development.
Types of Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability encompasses the conservation and maintenance of the environment.
It is important to note that, for environmental sustainability to be effective, people must be in harmony with the environment, in order to improve their quality of life.
The objective of environmental sustainability is that the interests of future generations are not compromised by meeting the needs of the current generation.
Also read about Environmental impacts.
Social Sustainability
Social sustainability suggests the equality of individuals, based on the well-being of the population.
For this, the participation of the population is necessary, in order to strengthen the proposals for social development, access to education, culture and health.
Corporate sustainability
Currently, many corporate social responsibility strategies are based on sustainability.
Sustainable products and actions in the business area gain prominence and consumer taste. People are increasingly aware of the ecological and social weight of their choices.
In this case, the company is responsible for environmental and social values. In addition to being based on preserving the environment and improving people's quality of life.
read about Environmental liability.
Economic Sustainability
Economic sustainability is based on a sustainable management model. This implies the proper management of natural resources, which aim at economic growth, social development and improved income distribution.
In short, it corresponds to the capacity to produce, distribute and use the wealth produced by man, seeking a fair distribution of income.
Also know the Green Economy.
Examples of Sustainability
Sustainable actions can be taken from individuals to the global level. See some examples:
Individual Actions
- Water economy;
- Avoid using plastic bags;
- Reduce beef consumption;
- Preference for consuming biodegradable products;
- separate the trash to selective collect;
- Recycling;
- Take short paths by hiking or biking. Adopt collective transport or rides.
community action
In the community of Vale Encantado, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, residents sought investments with employees to improve the place where they live.
They implemented a sewage system, solar panels, biodigesters, community garden and economic opportunities related to ecological tourism. Such conditions favored the improvement of everyone's quality of life.
The community was recognized internationally as a model of sustainable development.
Global Actions
- Limitation of population growth;
- Long-term food guarantee;
- Preservation of biodiversity and of the ecosystems;
- Decrease in energy consumption;
- Development of technologies that enable the use of renewable energy sources;
- Increased industrial production in non-industrialized countries based on ecologically viable technologies;
- Creation of Conservation units. In Brazil, there are several protected areas;
- Control of urbanization and integration between countryside and smaller cities.
Learn more about Renewable energy.
Environmental education
THE Environmental education it corresponds to environmental awareness for issues that involve valuing the environment and committing to attitudes aimed at its preservation.
The importance of environmental education lies in the formation of conscientious citizens. It aims to increase sustainable practices as well as reduce environmental damage.
Learn more about sustainability, read also:
- Sustainable city
- Agenda 21
- 2030 Agenda
- Eco-92
- Earth Charter
- Biofuels