Yes, 'sustainability' is a buzzword. Yes, it may seem overused at times. But does that mean it's automatically losing its relevance? Not at all! Sustainable action is more important than ever. Everyone is giving us tips on how we can act as sustainably as possible:
Avoid plastic, don't drive a car, don't support fast fashion... Oh, and while we're at it - meat and the like should also be taboo.
There's a lot to consider. But one thing shouldn't be forgotten: the actual term 'sustainability'. After all, shouldn't we first know what 'sustainable' means before we start improving?
Sustainable development: How did it all begin?
For many, sustainability is still new and exotic—our grandparents, in particular, probably have little to no contact with the 'sustainable lifestyle.' Yet there's quite a long history behind the term:
Sustainable use – in relation to forestry – has been discussed since the beginning of the 18th century. Chief Mining Officer Hans Carl von Carlowitz published his "Sylvicultura oeconomica." The topic: forestry and how to best manage it. Although the term "sustainable" appears only once in the 432-page work, its author is nevertheless considered the founder of the concept of sustainability.
Even back then, von Carlowitz warned against excessive use of wood. Forests should be preserved through sowing and planting, and alternatives to wood should be sought.
The reason: In the 18th century, there was a veritable "wood shortage." Ore mines and smelters in the Ore Mountains needed a large supply of wood. Therefore, many forests located near mining towns were cleared – a process designed for short-term profit. Von Carlowitz already realized that this was unsustainable and advocated respectful treatment of nature and its resources. In other words: Only as many trees should be felled as can grow back in the same period.
Nevertheless, it took several years for the principle of sustainability to develop to the extent we know it today. Further steps didn't follow until 1987.
Topic: Sustainability and Politics
The Brundtland Commission (or the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development) published the report "Our Common Future" in 1987. It presented a definition of sustainable action and sustainable development that is still relevant today:
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (Our Common Future, p. 46)
The so-called Brundtland Report set a goal: the current generation should limit its consumption so that there will still be enough resources for subsequent generations.
This applies not only to renewable raw materials, but especially to non-renewable ones like oil, metals, or coal. Because, even if it should already be obvious: neither energy, nor water, nor the masses of products we buy in bulk are infinite.
The Brundtland Commission thus endorsed the opinion of Hans Carl von Carlowitz: Both pursue the goal of creating the best possible sustainable development. Both von Carlowitz's work and the Brundtland Report were published several years ago—nonetheless, the significance of what they developed is all the more relevant today.
So what is needed for a sustainable environment? A strategic concept, conservation of our resources, and consideration for future generations.
What happened in Rio?
When we think of Rio de Janeiro, we think of beaches. White sand, cheap caipirinhas, and the Christ the Redeemer statue. Few people are likely aware that sustainability plays a major role there, too.
What happened in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 had a profound impact on our understanding of the concept of sustainability: The United Nations held a conference on environment and development, which is still considered a milestone for sustainable development today.
While the term 'sustainability' had already received some attention before, it was and remains important to develop a more precise definition of the term. How exactly are the "needs of the present" defined? What should we (or should not) do to the environment? And what do future generations need to satisfy their own needs?
The pillars of sustainability
In 1998, the German Bundestag's Enquete Commission on "Protection of Humanity and the Environment" addressed the question of definition. They supplemented the World Commission on the Environment's concept of sustainability with three dimensions (which are linked to corresponding goals): economic, ecological, and social.
These three areas are often described as the essential "pillars" of sustainability. What do these areas mean?
- Ecological sustainability = consuming just as many natural resources as can be regenerated in the same period of time.
- Economic sustainability = an economy that can be sustained in the long term.
- Social sustainability = social equality of all groups and peaceful resolution of disputes.
The following applies: All three pillars in this model are equally important for sustainable development. Thus, both the social and the economic or ecological components contribute decisively to the ultimate goal—preserving a sustainable world in which the needs of the present are met and future generations can still meet their own needs.
The Sustainability Agenda
But that's not all: Since the topic of sustainability remains in the spotlight, the agenda has been further expanded. The "2030 Agenda," developed by the member states of the United Nations, has existed since 2012. This document sets out 17 concrete goals, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for greater sustainability worldwide. This is intended to provide an even more precise definition of the concept of sustainability.
The 2030 Agenda was signed by all member states of the United Nations in September 2015 and has been in effect for every country in the world for six years now. The underlying concept is that if we know exactly what we should (and can) change, sustainable development is easier to achieve.
The sustainable goals defined in the agenda:
- End poverty in all its forms
- End hunger & promote sustainable agriculture and forestry
- Gender equality
- inclusive & equitable education for all
- healthy life for all
- Access to affordable, sustainable energy
- clean water & sanitation
- build resilient infrastructure
- permanent and sustainable economic growth
- less inequality
- safe & inclusive cities
- Climate protection measures
- sustainable consumption
- Use oceans and marine resources sustainably
- peaceful societies
- Protect terrestrial ecosystems, regenerate forests
- global partnerships for sustainable development
So far, so good. Or is it? The agenda with the aforementioned goals has been in place for nine years now. The framework for a sustainable world has been laid. But what exactly does all this mean for us? Does the 2030 Agenda tell us what each of us can do for the economy, the environment, and social issues to apply the model to our own lives?
"Only" sustainable concepts?
You probably already guessed: No. While we do see a concept that aims to make our future sustainable in all three areas, there are no precise instructions for us on how to do this. How do we achieve a sustainable lifestyle that meets our present needs without risking the suffering of future generations?
It sounds difficult, almost impossible. After all, how can one individual ensure that the economy, the environment, and society (perceived) make a 180-degree turnaround? Nevertheless, there is hope. Even though we're already seeing burning forests, flooded cities, or mass tornadoes, the time to act is now.
What does sustainability mean today?
The meaning of sustainability hasn't changed much over the years. The only difference may be that almost every product now carries the label "sustainable." Sustainability has increasingly become a "fashionable" phenomenon and is used by many companies to generate more revenue.
Logical – after all, it always sounds good when you present how much less water you use, how much value you place on the future, or that sustainable development is high on your priority list.
Nevertheless, you should always pay attention to what companies describe as sustainable. Often, they beat around the bush, describing products as "more sustainable"—which, of course, doesn't necessarily mean they are truly sustainable.
If you ever find yourself asking yourself "What does sustainability mean?", it's best to keep the following definition in mind:
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
What can you do?
Although the definition is relatively vague, it sums up what is meant by sustainability like no other. If you then consider the three pillars of sustainability, you've already laid a solid foundation.
Then it's time to implement: How do we achieve sustainable development?
How am I socially sustainable?
The concept of social sustainability focuses on people and their fellow human beings. Everyone should live a dignified life in the future, poverty and hunger should be combated, and inequalities and discrimination should be eliminated.
The issue of labor plays a major role in this. Child and forced labor, cruel working conditions, and unregulated incomes still exist. Many companies are already trying to counteract this.
For example, flexible working models, job security, a good working atmosphere and diversity in the workplace are things that are done to make a company more sustainable.
When choosing your employer, for example, you can make sure that the above-mentioned principles are practiced. Feel free to ask during the interview whether social sustainability is a topic and how it is implemented.
Companies that treat their employees fairly and respectfully are socially sustainable and set the framework for sustainable development.
To avoid supporting poor working conditions in the products you buy, you can look for labels. The Fairtrade label is probably the best known. It guarantees that the goods are fairly traded and that certain criteria were met during their production. For example, supporting small farmers, prohibiting discrimination, and ensuring regulated working conditions are mandatory if a product bears a Fairtrade seal.
You can also use the Blue Angel seal as a guide. It guarantees that these products are more sustainable than comparable products. Criteria include, for example, low emissions and no pollution of the soil or resources.
How am I ecologically sustainable?
Ecological sustainability is probably what most people think of when they ask themselves, "What does sustainability mean?"
This refers to all actions that do not harm our environment and natural resources, or that preserve our ecosystems. A synonym for this kind of sustainable action is "green(er) living." We've summarized our tips for green living here:
- Buy regional and local food. Find out which vegetables are in season and consciously forgo that avocado that had to travel several thousand kilometers to end up in our supermarket.
- Also recommended: apps like "Too Good to Go." You pay 1/3 of the original price for food that the café/restaurant/bakery would otherwise throw away. Now that's a great deal, isn't it?
- Be mindful of your mode of transport. Driving is still incredibly harmful to the environment, even though there are so many alternatives: Take the train, an e-scooter, a bike... Or why not opt for a Blabla Car?
- Upcycling! Sure, things can break from time to time. But that's no reason to throw them away. How about turning your empty jam jar into a tealight holder? Or converting your old desk into fancy shelves?
- Avoid plastic! Yes – it's almost too much to hear anymore. Yet reducing plastic is more important than ever. It's enough to simply bring your own bag when shopping, only buy cucumbers that aren't resealed, etc.
- Drink tap water. In Germany, the quality is very good, and you don't have to buy water in plastic bottles—so no need to laboriously lug heavy water crates around.
- Pay attention to your diet. Whether you're a hardcore vegan or a meat lover, it's been proven (multiple times) that increased meat consumption has a significant impact on the environment. Factory farming is responsible for 14.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions (source: Greenpeace ) and causes deforestation and the emission of climate-damaging nitrous oxide. You don't have to go vegetarian/vegan overnight. But everyone should at least try conscious consumption these days.
- Try sustainable banks and internet surfers. Even if you probably don't know it yourself: Many banks invest in nuclear power, for example. And Google searches generate 260,000kg of CO2e per month...
- Change your cooking habits. It sounds strange, but it makes sense! Try to cook as much as possible from scratch and avoid delivery services (plastic, etc.). Also, you can simply replace aluminum foil with beeswax wraps or food storage containers. Even doing without baking paper is easy, too. You'll have to clean the baking sheet afterward, but we're happy to accept that for a sustainable environment, right?
How am I economically sustainable?
Economic sustainability, one of the three pillars, should not be underestimated. Ultimately, the economy should continue to grow – and at the same time, not place obstacles in the way of its development for our children and grandchildren. It is closely linked to social and ecological sustainability and is necessary, for example, to reduce poverty and advance the development of renewable energies.
The primary goals of economic sustainability are to safeguard production and living conditions. Three important aspects must be considered:
- Long-termism: Economically sustainable companies act with a future-oriented approach. This primarily involves planning projects and processes: They should be designed from the outset to ensure their sustainability in the future. Short production lines are just as important as the ability to expand or downsize companies without harming the company.
- Strategy: To implement sustainability in your own company, you need to think from the big picture down to the small details. Using a coffee machine without tabs is all well and good, but it won't achieve anything in the long run if the company still works with suppliers from abroad. You simply have to think about where you want the company to stand in terms of sustainability in the future and possibly even consult a sustainability consultant.
- Conservation of resources: Raw materials should be used consciously and effectively. Recycling is still the best option. Reusing raw materials is very resource-efficient and a step in the right direction.
So: What does sustainability mean?
Raising awareness of sustainable development is more important than ever today. We must ensure that we act as sustainably as possible in almost every aspect of life.
And the good thing about it: Today, it's easier than ever before! If we open our (naturally sustainable :-)) search engine and look for sustainability tips, we're almost overwhelmed. And isn't that luxury?
We have a lot of control over our own lives. We can consciously avoid plastic, consciously say "no" to schnitzel, consciously take the train instead of the car.
Sustainability isn't just a term, it's a mindset shift that concerns us all. Each of us can decide to make a change now and do something good for the environment. By the way: It's not about making everything perfect. Sometimes the cucumber is wrapped in plastic, and you desperately need it to make that delicious vegan salad...
In any case, we hope you have fun becoming sustainable!
