A sustainable lifestyle is one that adjusts practices and consumption of goods and services to align with the finite capacity of the environment to meet the needs of humans. In doing so, shortages that lead to violent conflict and economic hardship are avoided. A sustainable lifestyle values self-actualization over materialism, and acknowledges the interconnectedness of people all over the world and with nature.
Why Sustainable Living?
In the face of the largest number of global species extinctions since the die-off of the dinosaurs, the looming threat of climate change, and the human population rising past 6 billion people on trajectory to reach 9 billion around 2050, it is becoming obvious that the status quo cannot continue if we wish to live on an earth that resembles our home now. There is a teeming multitude in the developing world that looks to nations in the West, especially the United States, as the example of development and lifestyle. At the current rate of consumption, there isn't enough planet to go around and there will be a catastrophe if everyone adopts our lifestyle. Clearly, it is high time that we reevaluate the way we live.
As dire and frightening as our situation may be currently, we are poised to undertake a great human endeavor never before seen; the creation of a sustainable human society. Even subsistence hunter-gatherers have had tremendous impacts on local animals and plant communities that permanently changed the character of the landscape. Therefore, neither an industrial nor a primitive "sticks and berries" approach from our past is a course forward into the future, but we can take lessons from both. Ours is an age of exciting possibility and hope.
9 Easy Steps towards Sustainable Living
Articles
The Sustainable United States Model Citizen/Family for the WorldWhat does the sustainable American citizen look like? Cameron J. Gordon offers his interpretation.
Simple Living: Choosing an Uncluttered, Focused, Rich Life
Sam Quick and Robert Flashman
Taking a fresh look at what you value.
Resources
Two Words - This is a movie done for a class. The assignment was to convey values in terms of the sustainability triple bottom line.
Seeds of Simplicity is a secular program of the Center for Religion, Ethics & Social Policy at Cornell University:
http://www.seedsofsimplicity.org
The Simple Living Network is one of the best sites on the web, with a Web of Simplicity questionnaire, a seasonal newsletter, and chat rooms:
http://www.simpleliving.net/
32 HOURS is an organization committed to reduction and redistribution of work time:
http://www.web.net/32hours