SUSTAINABILITY

There has been an evolution in the way we view the relationship between economic development and the environment.

Sustainability is gaining more and more prominence nowadays, due to its importance in the contemporary world.

We know that if the current pace of production and consumption is maintained, there will be no guarantee that natural resources will be sufficient for a dignified life for future generations.

Based on the pillars of sustainable development, it is possible to develop actions at the personal, community and global levels, capable of minimizing the negative impacts caused by man.

In this context, the development of educational programs aimed at environmental education is extremely important.

We must make people aware of the serious problems regarding the sustainability theme, and, as far as possible, provide solutions to these issues, which must necessarily integrate the environmental, economic and social aspects.

The notion of sustainability emerged based on the understanding that natural resources are finite, with sustainability being a concept related to the conservation or maintenance of a scenario in the long term, in order to deal well with possible threats.

In the environmental aspect, sustainability concerns a healthy planet, in which people can find the necessary conditions for their survival and guarantee the survival of future generations.

In the economic aspect, the question of efficiency is analysed, that is, it consists of the search for ways to reduce the consumption of natural resources, especially fossil energy sources (such as coal and oil) and those poorly distributed, such as water, without compromising the pace of economic growth.

More recently, the view that sustainability should seek to reduce social inequalities and the right of access to the goods necessary for a quality life was introduced, in addition to adding an ethical dimension when proposing a commitment to the society of the future.

Therefore, the concept of sustainability can be applied from individual, community or global actions.

Individual Actions

People, through their awareness, can change consumption habits, and influence other people, such as family, friends, co-workers, contributing to the sustainability of the planet.

See examples of what you can do:

• Save water, because only one in six people have access to drinking water in the world
• Try to consume biodegradable products
• Recycle as much as possible
• Separate garbage for separate collection
• Use public transportation or adopt the practice of solidary hitchhiking
• Use other means of transport, such as bicycles, electric scooters, or even walk a little
• Adopt a meat-free diet once a week. According to worldwildlife.org, about 100,000 litres of water are needed to produce 1 kg of beef
• Invest in reusable. At work, avoid disposable cups and use mugs to drink coffee and water, and carry your reusable straw in your bag
• Reuse the water. After washing the fruits in a bowl, use the water to water the plants
• Prefer organic foods. The faster the food reaches you, the more important health nutrients it will provide. So, prefer to buy it from local producers. The gesture strengthens the region’s economy and generates less garbage, waste and pollution
• Buy products that don’t pollute the environment so much
• Buy less industrialized products. Industrialized products are more practical, but they are also terrible for health and the environment, as they produce a lot of waste
• Avoid plastics. Take reusable bags to the supermarket. Every year, thousands of sea birds, turtles, seals and other mammals die after ingesting or being trapped in plastic
• Reduce your bath time. Spend less electricity and reduce the use of the air conditioner
• Think twice before buying. Each product we buy has an environmental footprint from the materials used to create it to the pollution emitted during its manufacture. So, before you buy, ask yourself if you really need what you are buying. If you decide you need to buy, consider buying smoothly, using common sense and looking for more sustainable products
• Avoid products that endanger wildlife
• Choose renewable forms of energy, if possible
• Use your voice and your vote. Choose representatives that have environmental platforms and that support stricter policies to limit greenhouse gases, combat climate change and protect wildlife

Economic development must seek to go hand in hand with the preservation of natural resources.

Community Actions

In this group of actions, the activities developed aim to reach a larger number of people, which can be carried out by civil society institutions such as churches and neighbourhood associations or by companies aware of their social responsibility.

Check out a few examples:

• Creation of community gardens
• Implementation of income generation projects for the needy population
• Use of solar energy
• Adequacy to environmental legislation

Global Actions

Sustainable actions have a wide reach. The environment is integrated and the reflexes of human action are felt in all parts of the planet.

See examples of global actions:

• Adoption of policies for the preservation of biodiversity
• Investments to expand and improve the basic sanitation network
• Creation of conservation units
• Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources
• Implementation of educational programs aimed at environmental education
• Use of alternative transport
• Awareness about sustainability is promoted by environmental education

In summary, current production and consumption patterns need to be revaluated. We need to be aware and make as many people as possible aware of the real importance of sustainability. After all, sustainability is everyone’s responsibility.

It is essential to guarantee the availability of natural resources for the next generations. We also have an obligation to rethink our way of life and try to leave a better world for future generations. We just need conscience and goodwill.

Do you agree? let us know your thoughts!

Please, share this article to increase awareness about sustainability.

Thank you!

Andrea Luz

CEO of ROO BAGS®

SOURCES:

• MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT – FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL
• https://revistacasaejardim.globo.com/Casa-e-Jardim/Dicas/Sustentabilidade/noticia
• https://fia.com.br/blog/sustentabilidade/
• https://laisschulz.com/lifestyle/ser-sustentavel/
• https://e-moving.com.br/12-formas-de-viver-de-maneira-mais-sustentavel/