Sustainability means meeting the needs of people today without harming the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable practices use resources carefully and cut waste and pollution.
The 3Rs and beyond
A simple way to reduce waste is the 3Rs:
- Reduce — use fewer resources, e.g. avoid single-use plastic bags.
- Reuse — use items again, e.g. refill bottles.
- Recycle — process waste into new products, e.g. paper, glass and aluminium.
Composting food and garden waste and using biodegradable materials further reduce the load on landfills.
Example
Bringing your own reusable bag and water bottle reduces plastic waste, while separating paper, glass and cans allows them to be recycled instead of dumped.
Sustainable use of resources
- Using renewable energy such as solar and hydro instead of fossil fuels.
- Saving water and electricity, and using energy-efficient appliances.
- Practising sustainable agriculture — crop rotation, organic fertilisers and integrated pest management.
Society and policy
Sustainability is supported by reforestation, public transport, environmental education, and laws such as the ban on open burning. Individual actions and government policy must work together: a single person switching off lights saves little, but millions doing so, backed by efficient national policies, make a large difference. Schools, industries and local councils can all set sustainability targets, such as reducing plastic use or increasing recycling rates, so that development can continue without exhausting the environment on which it depends. Small daily habits — carrying a reusable bottle, switching off unused lights, and separating rubbish for recycling — add up when practised by a whole community over many years.
Key idea
Sustainable development meets today's needs without destroying resources needed by future generations.
Remember
3Rs: Reduce first, then Reuse, then Recycle. Reducing waste is better than recycling it.