What is "sustainable?"

 

Sustainable.  Such a buzz word in our times.  What does “sustainable” really mean?  What images does it conjure up in your mind?  Green?  Not hurting the environment? Some “new” way of doing things? 

 

When we use the term “sustainable,” we first recognize and acknowledge that economics, the environment and society are interdependent, connected.  A small action in one sector may have broad implications in another.  Second, we acknowledge that our actions today impact what we and future generations do tomorrow.  Living in a sustainable way means we must devise ways of meeting our current needs that also enable our children and our children’s children to meet their needs.  Broadly speaking,  “needs” span all aspects of life and include clean air and water, protecting natural resources and wildlife, meaningful employment, economic development, access to affordable health care, safe cities, and education.

 

Sustainable development, then, is a deliberate approach to living which considers the interconnectivity of people, the environment, and economics as a fundamental criteria with which to weigh decisions.

 

 

The Purman Group, LLC works in partnership with clients and other professionals to plan and implement sustainable solutions for a variety of today’s challenges including literacy action, waste minimization and management strategies, and streamlining operational and administrative systems.