Sustainability: What does it mean?
You’ve likely heard the term "sustainability" before, but it has different meanings to different people. On this page we will introduce a few definitions of sustainability.
Three-Legged Stool of Sustainability
One way to think about sustainability is as a three-legged stool where economics, society, and the environment are all in balance. If any one leg of the stool is neglected or missing, the stool will topple over, representing an unsustainable society. As an alternative to the terms "social, environmental, and economic," sometimes people will use the words "people, planet, and profit."
Seven Generations Principle
The Seven Generations Principle is an Indigenous belief that all decisions made today should consider the impact that they will have on the next seven generations. By acknowledging the land and its history, we remind ourselves of the ongoing responsibility to address past injustices and to work towards a future where the land, its resources, and all its inhabitants are treated with respect and care for generations to come.
This image above is a screen capture from a video titled Seven Generations Links to an external site., by Academic Algonquin on Youtube, which discusses a bit more about the Seven Generations Principle.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
The U.N. Sustainable Development Goals Links to an external site. are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all." These goals paint a picture of sustainability that is very broad. Take a look at the goals listed below and ask yourself, which of these 17 goals would you not have considered sustainability before today?
Student Life Sustainability Definition
The final definition that we'll share today is the definition U-M Student Life Sustainability uses:
"Sustainability is a mindset and framework for ensuring that current and future generations have equitable access to the resources for a full and vibrant life without the exploitation of people, society, or the environment."
Hopefully these definitions have introduced and/or reinforced the idea that sustainability is a very broad concept, which is all about balance and how we go about living in a way that supports both the planet and the people living on it.