A few years ago, during my first semester at the Presidio School of Management, we were asked to write about our definition of sustainability. It was a great exercise to combine my thoughts, opinions, and values about this topic into one complete package. A little over a year later, we had the same exercise. My definition didn't change too much, however, the effect of being an MBA student focused on sustainable management, combined with everything I'd learned from the speakers at EcoTuesday over the year contributed to a new aspect of my definition: the "Education" component.
When asked about my views on sustainability/sustainable development by either business colleagues who are already involved in the field, or by those who are just learning about it, I share the following:
"I define sustainable development as the practice of efficiently using and managing natural, human and social resources to ensure a stable or cyclical interaction with the environment that neither depletes or degrades said resources and conditions; rather, sustainability conserves and preserves natural resources and makes a neutral or positive impact on life and society within that environment. Sustainability is a lifestyle that can continue through education indefinitely without causing ecological, social, or financial collapse."
What's YOUR definition? We'd love to hear about it. Please click on "comment" above and share your views with us!
Best,
Nikki