Table of Contents Introduction 3 The Issue 3 Why It Is Important 6 Parties Involved 8 Recommendations and Solutions 9 Conclusion 11 Lifestyle Sustainability Handout 12 References 13 Lifestyle Sustainability In a perfect ecosystem everything gives and takes equally, and the cycle of life is sustained perpetually. Our current lifestyle is not environmentally sustainable. We consume more and more of the earth’s resources and give very little, if any, in return. The Brundtland Commission defines lifestyle sustainability as being development that "seeks to meet the needs and aspirations of the present without compromising the ability to meet those of the future." Many factors are contributing to how humankind uses the earth’s resources and how humankind views the goal of sustainability. Public opinion, government intervention, and manufacturers seem to have the largest influence in determining how the earth’s resources are used. In order to create a sustainable society, all of these factors must work in conjunction with one another in the utilization of technology and resources to insure that the same resources will be available to future generations. The Issue Mankind has always sought to control its environment. While most species must deal with the world as it is, man has the ability and the desire to change and adapt the environment to suit its needs. If it’s too hot, then a way must be found to be cool. If there isn’t enough shelter, it must be built. If there isn’t enough food, it is produced. If there are other creatures that are regarded as pests, they are eliminated. Many of the efforts to control these environmental factors are made at the expense of destroying the biosphere upon which mankind depends. Every person on earth puts a strain on the biosphere and the earth’s population is increasing exponentially. Scientists predict that by the year 2050 mankind will top 10 Billion people. ...
