The final topic I would like to reflect upon in my journal is sustainability. Sustainability was one of the central concepts covered throughout the semester in my Colloquium course. My knowledge and awareness on sustainability expanded greatly this Semester with all of the various activities we engaged in.
(http://www.euromoodle.org/ash/file.php/131/The_three_spheres_of_sustainability.png)
To exemplify what I meant by saying that this course has made me more aware of sustainability-I will refer to my large wardrobe. I had never previously considered having a large wardrobe to be harmful to the environment, or I suppose you could say, an example of something that I do that is "unsustainable". I'd always referred to things such as pollution when thinking of something that may be "unsustainable". This course has opened my eyes and helped me realize what went into the production of all of the clothes in my closet-and when I actually take into consideration all of the natural resources, fossil fuels, and labor that went into the creation of each one of my dresses, yes I will have to admit, that I think my large wardrobe is undoubtedly an example of me living unsustainably. It is unnecessary as such, and it shows that I'm consuming more than I actually need.
(http://reproductivejusticeclimatejusticepeace.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/consumption.jpg)
So what does sustainability mean to me now? Obviously it has much more meaning to my life than it had before, as I was, I suppose, unexposed to all of the various aspects of the concept. In this week's lesson, we were asked to read a list of definitions for sustainability provided by Carol Newcomb Jones, and there was one which I quite liked-"Sustainability means using, developing, and protecting resources at a rate in a manner that enables to meet their current needs and also provides that future generations can meet their own needs". This definition shows that sustainability is something that people need to work towards achieving, it suggests using only what we need and developing new technologies to minimize the damage in the production of only that of which we need. To me, sustainability means not over indulging. It means changing the way that I consume on a regular basis. It means...changing my daily habits, and recycling, reusing, turning off lights, buying environmentally friendly products, etc.
(http://sorinplaton.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/sustanaible-1.jpg)
The following link will lead you to an older video that addresses sustainable growth. It offers several suggestions that some companies today are beginning to adapt:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dghuWWw7fnw&feature=related
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