Ecopedia part 10
BySustainability
Sustainability refers to a quality and system of life that allows people to meet their current needs without compromising the resources available for future generations to meet their future needs. Sustainability rests on the belief that we can cohabitate with the environment if we work to ensure our actions are not harmful to it.
Sustainability is also used to describe to sustainable development, or the belief that economic growth and environmental protection go together hand in hand. Supporters of sustainable development believe green business practices need not inhibit economic growth, and that green business practices are vital to continued economic growth.
With the world’s population fast approaching seven billion people, it will take significant effort from our generation to reach sustainability. Think about what impact your lifestyle and actions could have on future generations. Ask yourself if there is anything you can do to reduce the negative impact you have on the environment to help preserve its health.
Waste
Waste is all unwanted material. Some waste can be recovered and recycled and some waste is biodegradable. Other waste continues to pile up so much so that the earth could be completely covered if we don’t manage it properly.
Water
Only 3% of the water on earth is freshwater and the rest is saltwater. Fresh drinking water supplies are becoming increasingly scarce. Only 20% of the world’s population has running water and more than 1 billion people do not have any access to clean water.


