Four Prinicples of Sustainability

By: Anikka Wattnem

In being green we often lose sight of what we are striving for. We try to do things to be “greener” or to be environmentally friendly. However the ultimate goal is really sustainability. Sustainability is defined by Webster’s dictionary as:

2 a: of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged b: of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods

I recently had the opportunity to learn about The Natural Step framework. I, along with several coworkers, am attending trainings in order to find ways to make our non-profit organization more sustainable. The interesting thing about the Natural Step Framework is that it does not tell you exactly what to do. Rather it gives you 4 principles of sustainability as well as a method for looking at your actions and considering whether or not they are violating those 4 principles. The Natural Step is a non-profit organization whose training materials are used around the world. Their system has been used by major corporations such as McDonald’s, Home Depot and Ikea. I am learning about it in the Midwest from Natural Step Canada Associates.

4 Sustainability Principles (paraphrased)

1. We are not extracting substances from the earth at a rate faster then they can be restored and/or allowing them to build up on the earth’s surface.
2. We are not subjecting nature to man made chemicals that cannot be broken down.
3. We are not physically degrading the earth.
4. People are able to make their basic needs.

I am starting to use these principles on a regular basis to examine my decisions and how “green” they are. Although it may be difficult, or even impossible, to lead a completely sustainable lifestyle a step towards meeting these principles is a step in the right direction.