Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
In addition to natural resources, we also need social and economic resources. Sustainability is not just environmental-ism. Embedded in most definitions of sustainability we also find concerns for social equity and economic development.
While the concept of sustainability is a relatively new idea, the movement as a whole has roots in social justice, conservationism, internationalism and other past movements with rich histories. By the end of the twentieth century, many of these ideas had come together in the call for ‘sustainable development.’
What would a sustainable world look like?
Environmental Sustainability
Ecological integrity is maintained, all of earth’s environmental systems are kept in balance while natural resources within them are consumed by humans at a rate where they are able to replenish themselves.
Economic Sustainability
Human communities across the globe are able to maintain their independence and have access to the resources that they require, financial and other, to meet their needs. Economic systems are intact and activities are available to everyone, such as secure sources of livelihood.
Social Sustainability
Universal human rights and basic necessities are attainable by all people, who have access to enough resources in order to keep their families and communities healthy and secure. Healthy communities have just leaders who ensure personal, labor and cultural rights are respected and all people are protected from discrimination.
The motivations behind sustainability are often complex, personal and diverse. It is unrealistic to create a list of reasons why so many individuals, groups and communities are working towards this goal. Yet, for most people, sustainability comes down to the kind of future we are leaving for the next generation. Sustainability as a value is shared by many individuals and organizations who demonstrate this value in their policies, everyday activities and behaviors. Individuals have played a major role in developing our current environmental and social circumstances. The people of today along with future generations must create solutions and adapt.
Our Commitment to a Circular Economy is to foster premium re-use of plastic scrap to reduce carbon emissions and to divert plastics destined for landfills or incineration into recycled applications supporting a circular economy of plastics.