Developing a Sustainable Lifestyle

st of America’s environmental problems result from some of its greatest successes. Our technological prowess leads to quick obsolescence. Our consumerism and prosperity result in vast quantities of solid waste. Our addiction to oil hampers development of renewable energy sources. We have polluted our air, water, and ground. I do not believed we are doomed to face large-scale catastrophe, but to avoid it will require developing a sustainable lifestyle.

Image via Wikipedia

Some people have experimented with drastic changes in lifestyle, giving up all plastics, all electricity, and all products that contribute to pollution either in their manufacture or distribution. That includes toilet paper, by the way. Clearly not very many people would be willing to try similar experiments even for a day or two. Fortunately, it is not necessary.

A sustainable lifestyle simply means using and developing resources so that demand does not outstrip supply. Sustainability takes into account not only conservation of resources, but economic well-being and good living conditions. That may involve giving up some conveniences, but it will result in less pollution and better health.

We can achieve sustainability only if the government, entrepreneurs, and individuals work together. Government cannot supply all of our needs, but it needs to encourage innovation of sustainable technologies by subsidizing startup companies until they become big enough to stand on their own. Citizens need to keep politicians accountable, and also be willing to pay taxes for development of innovative technologies and upgrading our infrastructure.

Ultimately, developing a sustainable lifestyle depends on the choices of each individual. When enough people begin to give up some of their conveniences (drive-throughs, for example, or using the plastic bags the grocery store supplies, or throwing trash out the car window) for long-term benefits, it will have a tremendous impact. Sustainability therefore requires that we each become mindful of the importance of our own habits and purposefully choose what is best for the entire society that always what is momentarily easiest.