What is sustainability?
The term sustainability appears in many contexts. But what does sustainability really mean? And what can you do to live more sustainably?
More sustainable lifestyle. More sustainable fashion. More sustainable construction. More sustainable production. More sustainable investments. More sustainable solutions. Sustainability goals.
The term sustainability appears in numerous different contexts and is used to describe many things. So it is not surprising if you find it difficult to get a clear idea of what the term actually means.
Sustainable development was first defined in the 1980s as:
And when we talk about environmental sustainability today, we talk about taking better care of our planet so that it isn't harmed by the way we live. This means creating the best possible conditions for people and the environment – both now and in the future. And we can all help with that. The choices we make every day have an impact on our planet, and therefore also on future generations.
Three forms of sustainability
Generally speaking, distinction is made between three types of sustainability – you can see a short explanation of each type here:
Environmental sustainability: Taking care of the planet so that it is not harmed by the way we live. This means creating the best possible conditions for people and the environment – both now and in the future.
Social sustainability: Ensuring social justice.
Economic sustainability: Having control over the economy – also in the long term.
A holistic label
Sustainability requires that we think holistic. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel has this focus. Read more about the label here.
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