How Sustainable Can We Be?

The discussion of sustainability seems to be on the minds of many when it comes to an answer of new growth and development while ensuring environmental preservation. The idea of sustainable growth is a progressive and very interesting way to maintain a good quality of life without sacrifice our surrounding area. Even the definition of sustainability, "the capacity to continuously produce the necessities of a quality human existence within the bounds of a natural world of undiminished quality," sounds all too perfect and easy (Vig, 245). So how do we get there?

Understanding what each of our communities need, as well as their assets and drawbacks is important. Also, I believe that knowing in this process of becoming sustainable that there will be some causalities within the private sector. However, in a utilitarian manner, more will certainly benefit. Next, we need to free ourselves from aspire to need more and more, and consume more and more. This includes things like urban sprawl, food consumption, and excessive use of energy.

Additionally, as suggested by authors within environmental studies, investment in more efficient modes of transportation, more ways to deter over use of personal vehicles, and more smart growth within smaller areas of cities such as urban villages. I like seeing the four stage approach of a sustainable city of revitalizing central cities, development on transit-oriented locations, discouragement of urban sprawl, and extension of transit-systems (Vig, 247-551). Hopefully, these ideas and more can be nurtured and developed in order to improve our homes, communities, cities, and our nation, with the intentions of being adopted by other countries all over the globe. We must continue to innovate to invigorate.