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Sustainability Means...

Sustainability means that we, of this generation, must practice stewardship of the earth and its resources, so that the present needs of humanity are met without jeopardizing the needs of future generations.

The challenge before us is how to make our world more sustainable, especially now as we face the severe challenge of increased global warming caused by man made influences.
Sustainability involves practices that reduce the carbon footprint which is the measure of the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere caused by the burning of fossil fuels. The simple practice of conserving electrical power using compact florescent lighting (CFL's) and energy star rated appliances will reduce the demand for electricity. When this occurs, the demand for electrical energy generated by coal fired power plants will be reduced and the discharge of CO2 from their smokestacks will also be reduced.

Sustainable practices also involve utilization of alternative fuels such as electricity generated from wind turbines and photovoltaic solar cells. Now it is possible, in many locales, for the electric consumer to purchase electricity generated by wind.
Heating and cooling energy may be saved utilizing in-ground piping heat exchanger and heat pumps which can provide up to 100% for heating and 50% cooling needs. Photovoltaic solar panels are also becoming affordable for the homeowner thereby lowering the consumer's intake from the power grid.

 

 

 

Water conservation is an aspect of sustainability which includes collection of roof run off water for yard and garden watering, the use of low flow shower heads and placing a plastic bottle or a plastic bag weighted with pebbles and filled with water in the toilet tank, saving 5 to 10 gallons per day.
For home owners conducting an energy audit is a sustainable practice
Regarding transportation sustainability means using mass transit, ride sharing, driving a hybrid or alternatively fuel powered automobile, riding a bicycle to work, or simply walking more.
For builders sustainable practices involve using rapidly replenishable wood such as paneling made from bamboo, natural linoleum flooring in lieu of vinyl and plywood made from wheat stalks and other crops. Building using reclaimed wood and Forest Stewardship Council Certified (FSC) wood products, which advocates the responsible management of the world's forests, are also examples of sustainable building practices.
Recycled carpeting and using low VOC's (volatile organic compounds) paints, finishes, and adhesives are other examples sustainable building materials.
Sustainability involves recycling waste, including debris from construction sites and keeping as much as possible out of landfills. It also involves everyone to recycle, as much as possible, their own household waste.
For those in the construction industry sustainability means following the principles and guidelines of established standards such as the U. S. Green Building Council's LEED® (Leadership Energy Environmental Design) and its certification process.
For our cities, sustainable practices include planning and building walkable communities, revitalizing existing neighborhoods, and building on vacant urban land to minimize urban sprawl.
In essence, sustainablility means practices that all can follow to help the earth's fragile environment and stem the potentially catastrophic effects of global warming.
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