Defining Sustainable Development

In 1987, the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) created a definition of sustainable development as “meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”

Over the years, various communities have redefined it to suit their visions:

• Santa Monica Sustainable Communities Initiative seeks to “create the basis for a more sustainable way of life both locally and globally through the safeguarding and enhancing of our resources and by preventing harm to the natural environment and human health.”
• Cambridge, Massachusetts defines it as the “ability of community to utilize its natural, human and technological resources to ensure that all members of present and future generations can attain high degrees of health and well-being, economic security, and a say in shaping their future while maintaining the integrity of the ecological systems upon which all life and production depends.” 
• The Minnesota Legislature adopted the UNEP definition in 1996 and added “sustainable development maintains or enhances economic opportunity and community well-being while protecting and restoring the natural environment upon which people and economies depend.”

Sustainable development is a self-perpetuating and diverse economy that serves both present and future populations while preserving our natural environment and cultural heritage.

Or as Buckminster Fuller put it: "…a world that works for 100 percent of humanity, in the shortest possible time, through spontaneous cooperation, without ecological offense, or the disadvantage of anyone." 

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability means living equitably within the carrying capacity of the Earth in harmony with the natural environment and with respect for diverse cultures.

Sustainability is thriving today while restoring and preserving the natural environment so that future generations may thrive.

Sustainability is modeled after the Native American concept of Seven Generations: considering the needs of the community seven generations into the future and drawing wisdom from seven generations in the past.

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