Environmental sustainability has caught the attention of business and people around the world. In 2009 only 25 percent of businesses said environmental practices mattered to them. By 2012 that number had already grown to 68 percent. Businesses also realize how these environmental practices help them be competitive. More than two-thirds say this is important to them. The environmental sustainability definition remains a mystery to some. They hear the term but do not know what it means. People want to understand what environmental sustainability is. They want to know why it is important and what they can do to help. Here is what all people should know about these efforts to protect planet Earth!
Environmental Sustainability Definition: Why It Matters
In this article:
- What Does Environmental Sustainability Mean?
- Why is Environmental Sustainability Important?
- How Can People Begin to Help the Earth Themselves?
What Does Environmental Sustainability Mean?
Environmental sustainability refers to an effort to be more conscious of the environment. People use the word because they realize it is important to protect the Earth. These people want to change their lives, so they protect the natural resources the Earth gives us.
In 1987 a document called “Our Common Future” was published. This document introduced the importance of environmental sustainability. It looked at the close relationship between the abuse and misuse of the environment and income inequality. For example, consider the impact of polluting the soil. This act of abusing the Earth can impact farming and the ability of other animals to survive. This would make it harder for people in the future to live. They would not have enough to eat. This would cause poverty. The report examined how people could work towards a fairer outcome.
This document also wrote out an environmental sustainability definition. It described it as practices that reflect the importance of the Earth. These practices allow people to meet their current needs without abusing resources. This allows the future generations to be able to care for themselves as well.
Unfortunately, some people view economic success and caring for resources to be opposites. This does not have to be true. If we focus too much on money now, we will struggle with economics in the future. If people are not healthy or do not have enough food, they will not be successful. Innovators who are environmentally sustainable have lots of room for success. They will help the Earth and grow the economy.
Why is Environmental Sustainability Important?
People are now more than ever conscious and are asking why sustainability is important. They have paid more attention over the last few generations. They have also begun to acknowledge how devastating damage to the earth can be. Scientists have seen the rapid extinction of many species. They have also documented the damage done to the oceans, the air, and the soil. They study how that impacts the health and safety of people around the world.
People have also begun to realize that everyone must work together to protect the environment. When damage occurs to the land, air, or waterways, it does not stay localized. Pollution done on one end of the earth impacts those who live thousands of miles away. Trash in the oceans travels the globe. Many species die when their habitats get destroyed, or people hunt them excessively. This also impacts people in different countries.
The environment impacts people everywhere. This means that efforts to protect it must happen everywhere, too. People in different countries must work together to protect the environment. This is how they will see progress. Starting efforts to be more sustainable can be a step in the right direction.
How Can People Begin to Help the Earth Themselves?
For many people, protecting the environment can seem overwhelming. They do not know how much of a difference they can make by themselves. If everyone begins to take responsibility, it can make a huge difference. People must begin with themselves. This means their homes, communities, and businesses. There are many ways to get started.
1. Practice Environmental Sustainability
People should start incorporating sustainable practices into their daily lives. They should be conscious of the food they eat, the clothes they wear, and the items they buy. Trying to buy things good for the environment will help. This will boost the businesses working towards being sustainable.
2. Support Causes For Environmental Sustainability Education
People can also help with projects to clean and protect the fresh water and oceans. They can volunteer to help clean and police endangered areas. People can donate money to those who protect the water. They can also write to lawmakers to support laws that will protect the water.
3. Practice Environmental Sustainability Locally
Citizens of different countries can also reach out to businesses. In their jobs, they can start projects to help the Earth. They can also work with the businesses in their own community. They can ask them to build sustainable buildings. People can also encourage recycling. Businesses tend to respond to what their customers want. People should show that the Earth matters to them. This will encourage businesses to protect the planet.
Watch this video from the University of Surrey for more insights about the environment and sustainability:
Environmental sustainability remains important around the world. People now realize that unless they work together, they will do damage to the environment. This not only hurts them but can also cause problems for future generations. Working towards sustainability means developing practices to allow people meet their own needs, while also thinking of those yet to come. People interested in these goals should consider how they can make sustainability a part of their own practices to help protect the earth.
Do you have a clearer view of environmental sustainability now? Share your thoughts about it in the comments section below!
Up Next: Sustainability: Definition and Daily Sustainability Practices
