Happy Earth Day! In honor of earth day, let's talk about Sustainability, one of the most widely used buzzwords out there. Just type sustainability into your favorite search engine and see what you come up with! Many of your favorite TV shows, such as Biggest Loser and Top Chef mention sustainability in their programs. Whether it be sustainable living, sustainable food, sustainable energy, sustainable architecture... and all things "Green" it seems sustainability is everywhere! But what does it all mean?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, sustainability is the concept of meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It encompasses every system you can think from development to food, water and fuel. At the most basic level, sustainability is the ability of an ecosystem to maintain processes, functions, biodiversity and productivity into the future. However, scientific research confirms we are living unsustainably. After all, a natural resource is renewable only if it is replaced naturally at a rate comparable or faster than its rate of consumption. For us to live in sustainable way, our planet's resources must be used at a rate in which they can be replenished. A massive, collective and global effort is needed to change this trend. In celebration of Earth Day, we encourage you to find ways to live in a more sustainable way. Check out the U.S. Enviromental Protection Agencies web site for more ideas!
