I don’t think sustainability is a term I am able to grasp at this point in my life. And I don’t think a majority of people are able to either. Human beings are innately self-interested; I know I am at least. It’s hard to sacrifice comfort and ease for an issue that’s not directly effecting me. It’s hard to look at something in the long run; we seem to think we’ll deal with it when it becomes serious. But, it is serious. And it’s something we can restrain if we act now.
Here’s my best attempt at defining sustainability:
Stifling self-interest for the interest of the whole—all living things present and future. Informing others, educating them, and in this way evoking concern leading to action as a community.
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This comment is in general a part of discussion to the whole of posts you all have made defining sustainability. Please know Kate, I'm not just picking on you. And, as the sister of your instructor, who has followed each and every post, and who is passionate about doing my part to help creat a better world, you're bound to see me here again.
"Innately self-interested" is an interesting point of argument. I can see how at this point in your life, when you are focused mainly on your goals and path in life that it seems this to be the case. I was once in that place too.
Now, being the mother of two small kids, I have to disagree. Watching how small children interact with those around them, knowing what I would personal sacrifice for those that I love, I can't agree that it's innate. I watch how my older daughter comforts her little sister following a trip or tumble. I watch how my girls calm and snuggle our pets when I vacuum and they all take "shelter" together on the couch. I watch how they have come and simply given me a hug after I've received some bad news and they see tears in my eyes. I watch as they have grown up knowing nothing different than the difference between what gets thrown away and what goes into recycling. Even at 2 my youngest can make that distinction. Those acts are about compassion and honoring the connection they have with the world in which they live. We all have those connections, but I think with kids it's more clear to see them in their pure, natural, uncomplicated state.
Sustainability can be as simple as that. Showing compassion to ourselves, those around us, and the world we live in by being mindful about our actions. It's not about giving up comfort, it's about finding comfort in knowing your actions combined with the efforts of others CAN and will make a difference.
Little actions do matter and I think we as a society get hung up on the idea that if we can't "do it big", big enough to immediately solve the problem, then it's not worth tackling at all. We didn't get to this place over night. We're nothing to to create change over night. But if we never start, there is no hope.
I have faith that as a society, as a world, we have what it takes to be good stewards of this planet on which we live. That we can reshape our views on what it means to be part of the greater community. That what you as a class are discussing is one of many sparks happening to get the fire burning.
Thoughtful with our words. Thoughtful with our actions. It can be as simple, and comforting, as that.
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