Sustainability

Why the Pressing Need to Implement Sustainable Business Practices?

There are many interpretations of sustainability, and I think that many of us, although interested in the concept and desperately wanting to do our part, are still somewhat confused.

Let's first understand the four well-known "Un-sustainability Factors" vs Four "Sustainability Factors":

#1 Un-sustainability Factor: We mine and remove metals, minerals and fossil fuels (oil) from the earth which either have a very slow re-absorption rate back into the earth, or none at all, and therefore build up to create a toxic environment. Sustainability Factor #1: Reduce mining and use of fossil fuels;

#2 Un-sustainability Factor: We create chemicals to make products which also build up and contribute to a toxic environment. Sustainability Factor #2: Phase out production of harmful, unnatural products;

#3 Un-sustainability Factor: We damage nature through overuse; overharvesting/deforestation; landfills and leaching of contaminated compounds; and infringe on wildlife habitat. Sustainability Factor #3: Changes to our use of water & land, including: agriculture; forestry; fishing and urban development;

#4 Un-sustainability Factor: We create conditions where people cannot meet their basic human needs, including resources and distribution. Sustainability Factor #4: Better small-scale and world-wide organizational efficiencies, with a greater spread of resources in the wealthier communities and countries.

 These dominating, un-sustainability factors have translated into our current dilemma: An imbalance in supply vs. demand

Supplies are decreasing. Our requirements for survival such as food, water, clean air and soil are in decline, as is the planet's ability to regenerate these supplies.

Demand is increasing. The planet holds over 6 billion people whose accumulating need for these supplies is increasing faster than our planet can provide them, therefore compromising our long-term sustainability (survival). Check out www.thenaturalstep.com (click on "View" to increase the font size for this website - it's hard to read otherwise)

So as supplies decrease and demand increases, social and environmental pressures rise.

It is because of this supply vs. demand crisis, that we need to more carefully consider the big picture. We each need to scrutinize the demands we make on nature and it's systems in order to ensure that future generations will have enough to survive on.

Have you heard of the "Triple Bottom Line"?

In todays world, businesses must embrace economic, environmental and social values. John Elkington, co-founder of the business consulting company SustainAbility, coined the phrase in his book titled "Cannibals with Forks: The Triple Bottom Line of 21st Century Business". His message:

Triple bottom line accounting means expanding your traditional business reporting systems to not only include financial outcomes, but also environmental and social performance.

www.sustainability.com

Make Sustainability a "Living Plan"

Begin by recognizing the benefits to creating a sustainable business environment:

So, you would:

In other words, you "backcast" - analyze how to convert your current reality into your desired vision of the future. To do this, there are five categories needing attention. Check out our article titled:

5 Categories Needing Attention in Running a Leaner, More Sustainable Business