Using recycled materials or renewable resources when building is an example of sustainable development. Building a new community in a previously undeveloped area without destroying the ecosystem or harming the environment is an example of sustainable development.
The principles of sustainability are the foundations of what this concept represents. Therefore, sustainability is made up of three pillars: economy, society, and the environment. These principles are also informally used as profit, people and planet.
The four main types of sustainability are human, social, eco- nomic and environmental. These are defined and contrasted in Tables 1–4. It is important to specify which type of sustainability one is dealing with as they are all so different and should not be fused together, although some overlap to a certain extent.
Sustainability is important for many reasons including: Environmental Quality – In order to have healthy communities, we need clean air, natural resources, and a nontoxic environment. Healthcare – Sustainability and healthcare are intricately related since the quality of our environment affects public health.
Sustainable Development. Sustainable development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
How to Prevent Depletion of Natural Resources
- Reduce Dependency on Fossil Fuels. Preventing the depletion of fossil fuels is usually discussed in terms of using less gasoline and electricity, which is typically produced through the burning of fossil fuels.
- Keep Our Water Clean.
- Preserve Trees and Forests.
- Protect Coastal Ecosystems.
- Get Involved.
The use and abuse of natural resources is a major issue that has been cause by mankind. Some examples of this issue are; excessive mining, deforestation, and the use of fossil fuels over renewable, clean energy sources.
(i) 'Overusing a Resource' means more uses of the resource than it is replenished by the nature. (ii) Let us consider groundwater. It is an example of renewable resources. These resources are replenished by nature. For example, farmers of Punjab have overused the groundwater.
(i) 'Overusing a Resource' means more uses of the resource than it is replenished by the nature. These resources are replenished by nature. However, even these resources may be overused. In the case of groundwater, if we use more than what is being replenished by rain then we would be overusing this resource.
Misuse of natural resources refers to excessive use, destructive use or achieving imbalance between resources either individually or in combination. Misuse of resources can also be direct or indirect. Direct misuse refers to such situations where the resource is directly destroyed or overused.
Natural resources are not limitless, and the following consequences can arise from the careless and excessive consumption of these resources:
- Deforestation.
- Desertification.
- Extinction of species.
- Forced migration.
- Soil erosion.
- Oil depletion.
- Ozone depletion.
- Greenhouse gas increase.
Over-consumption leads to serious environmental issues like air pollution. They release carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide etc. 4. Over use leads to decrease in the amount of fossil fuels which results in price rise.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Perhaps the most well-known impact of using non-renewable energy sources is the emission of greenhouse gases, in particular carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to climate change [1]. Different types of non-renewable energy fuels emit different levels of greenhouse gases.10 Things you can do to promote sustainability
- Recycle. Recycling is one the best things you can do to promote sustainability.
- Make informed choices.
- Grow your own garden.
- Minimize waste.
- Watch your utility bills.
- Purchase energy efficient appliances.
- Compost kitchen waste.
- Carpool or use public transportation more often.
Five Principles for Sustainable Communities
- Enhance liveability.
- Create opportunities for economic prosperity.
- Foster environmental responsibility.
- Embrace design excellence.
- Demonstrate visionary leadership and strong governance.
Ten Ways to Live Sustainably
- Reduce household energy use. Energy conservation is itself a source of energy.
- Eat locally. A powerful way to live more sustainably is to eat locally.
- Dispose with disposables.
- Plant seeds.
- Recycle.
- Resell and donate items.
- Drink from the tap.
- Save water.
Tips for Teaching Sustainability
- Beware of Student Overload.
- Avoid Doom and Gloom.
- Focus on Quality of Life Issues.
- Peer Engagement and Support.
- Student Analysis of Data.
- Deconstruct Eco-rhetoric.
- Precautionary Principle.
- Embrace Interdisciplinarity.
Gijón, Example of Sustainable Destination:
Certified in 2013 as "Biosphere World Urban Destination", awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (ITR) and supported by UNESCO, the city of Gijon remains as one of the best sustainable tourism examples.10 ideas for teaching kids about sustainable living
- Read story books about climate change.
- Let them accompany you to the grocery store.
- Discuss and practise recycling at home.
- Visit a local sustainable farm.
- Spend more time in nature.
- Start a vegie garden.
- Implement meatless Mondays.
- Talk about conserving water and energy.
