Economic sustainability

“Economic sustainability refers to practices that support long-term economic growth without negatively impacting social, environmental, and cultural aspects of the community.”

 

Ways to be economically sustainable:

• Buy locally-sourced goods
• Donate money to non-profits that support sustainable practices
• Shop second-hand or thrift as much as possible.
• Purchase from companies that pay workers fair wages (e.g. Fair Trade)
• Reuse, recycle, and compost materials to help create a circular economy. 

Social sustainability

“Social sustainability occurs when the formal and informal processes; systems; structures; and relationships actively support the capacity of current and future generations to create healthy and livable communities. Socially sustainable communities are equitable, diverse, connected and democratic and provide a good quality of life.” – WACOSS, Western Australia Council of Social Services

 

What practical aspects involve social sustainability?

• Wellness
• Diversity, Equity and Equality
• Volunteering
• Environmental Justice
• Fair Labor Practices
• Human Rights

Environmental sustainability

"Environmental “sustainability is about stabilizing the currently disruptive relationship between earth’s two most complex systems—human culture and the living world.” 

 

What you can do:

• Volunteer for local community clean ups
• Use non-toxic chemicals in your home and office
• Reduce your waste generation by not creating it, and reuse when reducing is not possible and recycle or compost when it has reached it's end of life
• Opt for zero- or low-emission transportation options such as walking, biking or using public transportation option like a bus
• Introduce more plant-based food options into your diet
• Purchase Energy Star certified equipment