What's So Important About Sustainability


Thinking About Tomorrow Today...

Maybe you are a small business owner in your local community who knows all there is to know about sustainability. Maybe you are a big business executive for a multi-national corporation who wants to learn more about sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Or maybe you are an entrepreneur who would like to learn more about sustainable living.

Regardless of which scenario fits your situation, you have probably come to realize that sustainability is important to our environment, our economy and our families. First, thanks for becoming part of the solution. Read on for more information about sustainability, corporate social responsibility and why it's important to business.

  • What is sustainability?
  • Why is sustainability important?
  • What are people saying about sustainability?
  • Do you implement sustainable business practices?

    • "What is sustainability?"

      Sustainability can be many things to many people. In the broadest sense it has to do with the recognition of the interconnectedness of our environment, our economy and our society. Sustainability is about implementing measures today that will sustain the communities of tomorrow. For some, this involves conservation, recycling and reusing materials. For others, it involves the implementation of ethical business practices that don't harm natural resources or communities.

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    • "Why is sustainability so important?"

      Because our future--and that of our children--depends on the well-being of our environment. It's that simple.

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    • "What are people saying about sustainability?"

      Here are a few quotes from some important figures in the Environmental Movement.

      • "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." ~Native American Proverb
      • "Sustainability is a condition of existence which enables the present generation of humans and other species to enjoy social well being, a vibrant economy, and a healthy environment, and to experience fulfillment, beauty and joy, without compromising the ability of future generations of humans and other species to enjoy the same." ~Guy Dauncey
      • "I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?" ~Robert Redford
      • "My hopefulness about the resilience of human nature is matched by the gravity of our environmental and social condition. If we squander all our attention on what is wrong, we will miss the prize: In the chaos engulfing the world, a hopeful future resides because the past is disintegrating before us. If that is difficult to believe, take a winter off and calculate what it requires to create a single springtime. It's not too late for the world's largest institutions and corporations to join in saving he planet, but cooperation must be on the planet's terms." ~Paul Hawken

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    • "Do you implement sustainable business practices?"

      Absolutely. As a copywriter and social entrepreneur there are several practices that I implement to do my part:

      • All of my business cards and collateral are printed on 100% recycled, post consumer paper.
      • Web services such as Freshbooks and EchoSign allow me to run an almost paperless office.
      • Most client meetings and communications are conducted via email, telephone or chat.
      • I believe in giving back. That's why 3% of all profits are donated to an environmental or social cause.

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We must be the change we wish to see in the world. - Mohandas K. Gandhi