We generally use the terms sustainable and sustainable as synonyms. We use them for products, companies, activities, habits, among others. Although both pursue the well-being of the planet, they have some differences.
If we go to the dictionary “sustainable” it is something that can be supported or defended with reasons. While “sustainable” means that it can be maintained without depleting resources. Especially in ecology and economy, which can be maintained for a long time without depleting resources and/or causing damage to the environment.
According to the World Commission on Environment and Development in “Our Common Future”, the famous Brundtland Report, Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of present generations without compromising the resources and opportunities for growth and development of future generations.. It refers to the responsible use of resources, preserving, protecting and conserving them over time.
For example, when we talk about alternative energies, we can say that solar energy is sustainable, since it is a resource that will not be exhausted by the use that we can give it today. If we manage to ensure the continuity of the resource in question, we are facing a sustainable process, activity or product.
The relationship between the type and volume of activities that we carry out, the resilience of the ecosystem and the actions to renew natural resources and/or to mitigate potential polluting effects, will determine if a process is sustainable or not.
To ensure sustainability we must not use renewable resources at a rate greater than their regeneration. The production of waste must not exceed the Earth’s capacity to recycle, absorb or neutralize it, especially polluting and hazardous waste. Finally, no non-renewable resource should be used faster than necessary, and it should always be done with a view to being replaced by a renewable resource.
Over time, the concept of sustainability and sustainable development has expanded. It is no longer just a matter of protecting natural resources, but the environment in which those resources are found. Sustainability aims at an integral change: environmental, social, economic, political and cultural.
A good way to understand the sustainability They are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly, included in the 2030 Agenda. These 17 interconnected goals have a comprehensive vision. They range from the search for the elimination of poverty and inequalities, through the fight against climate change, to world peace and justice.
The sustainable is what is maintained by itself. Sustainability is the set of processes that help create social progress, live a healthier life, more respectful with the planet, other living beings and future generations.
Both words are important and complementary. They go hand in hand and, ultimately, have the same objective: their use and implementation help promote a sustainable future for our planet and for us, the people.
Whatever term we use, we mean act in the present thinking about the future. Or even more in Creole, bread for today, bread for tomorrow. That our business models and our lifestyles can satisfy our present needs and those of future generations.
Maite Durietz Degree in environmental management, specialist in sustainability and consultant B (@aovejaverde).
