Sustainable Change in Societies
Our understanding of sustainability and sustainable initiatives is maintaining a specific rate or level of progression to avoid depleting natural resources to pursue ecological balance. We hear sustainability a lot when talking about the environment because it is true; we want to make our resources last to avoid damaging or taking future generations. However, it’s more than that; sustainability is the habitual pursuit of equilibrium. It demands equal parts consumption and production from an enterprise-level down to the individual consumer. It requires us to innovate and reinforce our systems to better provide for our communities. From a market perspective, people need access to resources, whether social, nutritional, or financial, or otherwise — our communities need an effective form of resource allocation.
When we try and achieve a more sustainable way of living, our biggest goal is to create a better future for generations to come. Our driving factor is longevity in our communities because time is more valuable than money. This fact of life pushes us into seeking developments that mitigate the strains on society. We must develop solutions to control risks and alleviate the environmental costs that come with our lifestyle to allocate our resources.
Why aim for sustainability? We need to think about how we can influence businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Our economy’s truth is that our dollar is not just a numeric value — it creates community. It is an investment in our societies that has a real effect on life. Focus on local initiatives and coordinating with firms to supply appropriate sustainable systems to meet societies’ needs.
Sustainable practices at home can come in many different ways. It can look like starting a compost bin instead of throwing out scraps of food. Some people have made the switch to metal straws and stopped using paper plates. We’ve had a big push to reduce our use of single-use plastics, but all of these initiatives are on an individual level. Individual people can only do so much when businesses rule so much of what we see on the markets. What can companies do to promote and adopt sustainable practices?
One ambitious initiative is creating a neutral or low-Carbon economy that reduces the number of greenhouse gases produced. Reducing greenhouse gases minimizes the greenhouse effect (heating up the earth), reducing global warming. The more businesses that create a low carbon economy, the fewer gases we produce. Low carbon economies not only affect the environment but can also positively affect enterprises themselves. In turn, businesses can reduce the costs of products and strengthen supply chains with a revitalized customer base.
Creating a low carbon economy paired with the push on individuals to reduce plastic use is a fantastic start to building sustainable communities and reversing the environment’s damage. Decreasing environmental destruction will ensure longer-lasting communities with a better quality of life.
As individuals, we can push and push for more sustainable products and services, but without changing business practices as well, we won’t see any significant changes. Sustainability is so much more than a drive for green resources (though it is that). It is an entire methodology for supply chain engagement, and when used correctly, it can be a tool for innovative developments prioritizing the social role in society.
Rebekah R. Jean
