There seems to be a lot of confusion surrounding the concepts of sustainability, sustainable development, and how to be sustainable. Oftentimes, simple definitions are overlooked in favor of something more verbose or academic, and we feel that is a mistake. These terms are easy to define, and this is our attempt.

Sustainability is a design characteristic

Is this sustainable? = Will we ever have to stop doing this?

To sustain something just means to make sure that the conditions exist for its continuation. It is appropriate to talk about the sustainability of a business, family interaction, friendship, or our resource use. The only reason that "sustainability discussions" become so complex is because often we are talking about the sustainability of a very, very complex system: the interaction of humanity and the Earth (for this interested, this field of study is referred to as "environmental dynamics").

People often involve themselves in near-endless discussion of the semantics and details of a sustainability definition. It should be clear that they are not discussing their understanding of sustainability; rather, they are discussing the details of how to be sustainable, a concept which is far more complex than sustainability.

When we talk about the sustainability of our global system, it becomes useful to think of sustainability "in an inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social
justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations." - American Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education

Sustainable development is not sustainable growth (an oxymoron)

Many people confuse sustainable development with sustainable growth, believing that no development can be sustainable. We must be clear, sustainable development is just the realization of the changes we must make to become sustainable. Sustainable growth, on the other hand, is an oxymoron and must be acknowledged as a nonsensical impossibility. The Brundlandt Commission created the most famous defintion, but it still leaves many questions answered.

"Sustainable development is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

And that definition would be mostly right. However, this definition fails to adequately define "needs." Are the quality of life amenities that we need to enjoy this shared experience considered "needs"?

Social sustenance is socially-aware sustainable development

Social sustenance is a new term, one which we think we are the first to use. We are still working on a great definition, and if you can help please offer your thoughts in the comments.

Social sustenance is the name we give to the motivating factors which sustain our quality of life. Enjoyable workplaces and family life, sustainable development and healthy places to live are all part of this concept. Social sustenance is the single most important factor in our continued survival. When we cultivate leadership, awareness, and literacy, we are building social sustenance. "Social equity" is a similar term, but social sustenance is more than that.

This is not just the worth of our social systems, it is anything that sustains and improves their quality.

What do you think? Please let us know.