Sustainability is...

hard to define. It lacks a solid meaning beyond the idea that it is about meeting our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Furthermore, the fact that it is “an adjective dressed up as a noun” (Newton and Freyfogle) reflects the misconception of what sustainability really means. Rather than sustainability being the goal that should be reached in the future, it is the ongoing method of how to reach that goal. However, the question of what is being sustained and who is doing the sustaining still remains unclear (Newton and Freyfogle).

Sustainability needs to continue and improve its development from a local all the way up to a global perspective requiring us to have a more efficient integration between our society, environment, and economy. As individuals, we need to become more aware of our consumption and waste, especially when “14% of our food is wasted,” (Pollan) and continue doing our part as our small actions do make a difference, although it’s a fact major changes will only be achieved through policy. Unfortunately, it is our industries and economy that are failing to undertake sustainable practices given that they have the largest impact on our own ability to become sustainable individuals. With a large percentage of our food products containing corn syrup from inedible corn (King Corn), the need for 600 gallons of water to create a single hamburger patty (Ryan), and the fact that the cost of an aluminum soda can costs more than the soda inside (Ryan) emphasize the need for these changes to occur.

Sustainability is greatly being affected by our consumption patterns. Creating a culture where material items are crucial for our daily needs, we use resources from every corner of the globe and make them travel great distances. Sustainable practices not only support ideas of using local products and using them to their full potential, but ultimately in reducing the amount of stuff we buy.

If sustainability would become an integral part of every individual there would be more public awareness and support to demand better lifestyles. As we saw in our own Lifestyle Project results and those of our classmates, sustainability has the power to encourage others to be more aware of their actions and instill the desire for new goals and better habits.