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The Green Maven - Sustainability |
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Written by Maureen Murphy
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Sustainability
Defined, sustainability is a characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely. Sustainability is also our ability to change and adapt. Our flexibility is linked to our survivability. This sounds like common sense, right? No one wants civilization to come to a grinding halt due to pollution, starvation and a lack of water.
Early in human history, we used naturally occurring materials for shelter, making significantly less impact on the environment. When nomadic peoples moved on, their structures were largely broken down and reintegrated into the environment.
With the rise of civilization and technology, we were able to manipulate naturally occurring materials into less natural – but more durable – products like fired clay, metals for jewelry and tools, glass, cement and more recently plastics and the thousands of petroleum-based products we use daily.
Human populations also reflect in the fertility of the soil. As our numbers increased, the soils we lived on began to produce less. We responded by simply picking up and moving along. As our numbers increased, we had to stay put, increasing our yields naturally at first with manure and now with chemical fertilizers. Once believed to be a modern miracle, these fertilizers leave behind toxic residue in the soils and water.
Factory farming of animals is another example of a non-sustainable practice due to massive amounts of toxic runoff, antibiotics, air pollution and petroleum required for production and transportation.
So what is sustainability? It is a holistic approach to living – from the design of buildings and communities to the way we eat and even our buying habits.
In honor of Earth Day, opportunities for improvement are everywhere. Here are some eco-groovy ways to help:
- Learn about the impacts of global warming on the planet from educators, businesses, environmental groups and scientists. Share this information at home, at work, at school and with others in your community.
- Save energy, money, and emissions by switching to energy efficient lighting, appliances, heating and cooling equipment.
- Drive less, opting instead to walk or ride a bicycle more often.
- Choose “green” power, good insulation, public transportation, local food, and other climate friendly options.
- Reduce waste by recycling, re-using, and composting. This keeps valuable resources out of the landfills.
- Act to improve community transportation planning, design, tree planting, farmers’ markets, recycling programs and other programs that reduce greenhouse gases.
- Commit to work with the local media, government agencies, and elected officials on energy improvements and education about solutions to global warming.
- Engage your family, friends and neighbors in supporting programs, policies and businesses that will green the future.
- Support efforts to measure and report positive changes.
- Vote for those who will work towards these solutions.
Everything counts. The sustainability of life on planet earth is dependent on the choices we are making everyday.
Did you know?
- One polystyrene cup contains one billion CFC molecules.
- The average person uses 80-100 gallons of water per day.
- More than 1/3 of all energy is used by people in their homes.
Maureen Murphy has recently moved back to Auburn. She is currently taking her architectural licensing exams and lives with her two girls, husband and two cats. She may be reached by e-mailing
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All messages will be forwarded to her.
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