What is Sustainability?

"Tug on anything at all
and you'll find it connected to everything else
in the universe."
                           John Muir, Founder of the Sierra Club

Definition
Here is a definition of Sustainable Community that we like:

Sustainable Community is a creative and artful way of living, where people and nature are all preserved and enhanced by thoughtful planning, careful use of resources and a reverent approach to life. Thus embraced, these attributes create an environment where all may thrive for untold generations.

Qualities of Sustainable Societies
Fundamental to the sustainability of any culture or civilization is the right of all people, to be able to think for themselves. Certain inalienable rights and qualities in a sustainable and nurturing world might be:

•  Freedom for all - recognition of the rights of every person.
•  Just and equitable economic, legal and governmental systems.
•  The capacity to reevaluate habitual patterns or norms.
•  Passion for the growth and evolution of the human spirit.
•  Societies in harmony with nature and the planet - genuine
    reverence for life.
•  A commitment to providing for future generations.

The Sustainability Test
A very simple test to determine if an activity or practice is likely to be sustainable in the long run is to ask the question…”What would happen if everyone in the world had it… or did it?”  Would the world benefit from this or be hurt by it?

The Earth Charter
Some of us have found The Earth Charter to be an inspiring document.   If you are not already familiar with this relatively recent work originating from the U.N. World Commission on Environment and Development, you might enjoy investigating it now. This document awaits the support of the world's people to bring it into adoption.  

http://www.earthcharter.org/                    This is the Global Earth Charter site.

http://www.earthcharterusa.org/              This is the USA home site.

http://www.earthcharterchicago.org/         This is the local Chicago chapter..