Written on April 07, 2008

Sustainability Is a Way of Thinking and Living

To me, sustainability implies a way of thinking and living. I have tried to teach my children and students that our dear planet Earth is a closed system and that everything is inter-related. Healthy natural cycles are essential to the well being of this system. I want them to understand their part in the system, to care for the planet and others and to feel empowered that they can make a difference.

I've posted a new article How to Help Children Become Sustainability Thinkers for the Future.

Definitions of Sustainability for Children...and from Children!

There are various definitions and debates to the definition of sustainability among leaders in the field. However in general, they all have to do with:

• The concept of living within our limits
• Understanding the interconnections among economies, society, and the environment
• Providing equitable distribution of resources and opportunities

By far the most meaningful definitions I've heard are those that come from children. Check out the

children's definitions of sustainability and don't forget to...

... leave the world better than you found it, take no more than you need, try not to harm life or the environment, make amends if you do.—Paul Hawkin, "The Ecology of Commerce", 1993