Empower Your Sustainability

 

Sustainable development is basically an action plan which helps us to achieve sustainability in any activity which makes use of the resource. Moreover, it also demands immediate and intergenerational replication.

Through sustainable development, we formulate organizing principles which help to sustain the limited resources essential to provide for the needs of our future generations. As a result, they will be able to lead a content life on the planet. The World Commission on Environment and Development popularized this concept in 1987. Their report defines the idea as a “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”

In other words, they aimed to prevent the stripping the natural world of resources which the future generations will require. As we all know that usually, one particular need drives development. Consequently, the wider future impacts are not considered. As a result, a lot of damage happens due to this type of approach. Thus, the longer we continue to pursue unsustainable development, the more severe will the consequences be. One of the most common is climate change which is being debated widely worldwide.

In fact, climate change is already wreaking havoc on our surroundings. So, the need of the hour is sustainable development. We must ask ourselves, must we leave a scorched planet with an ailing environment for our future generations? In order to undo the mess created by us, we must follow sustainable development. This will help us promote a more social, environmental and economical thinking. Most importantly, it is not that difficult to attain this.

We must see that world as a system which connects space, and time. Basically, it helps you understand that water pollution in South Africa will ultimately impact water quality in India and Nepal. Similarly, it is the case for other things as well. There are many measures to take up for practicing sustainable development. To begin with, it is important to ensure clean and hygienic living and working conditions for the people. Next, sponsoring research on environmental issues which pertains to regions. Further, ensuring safety against known and proven industrial hazards. It is also important to find economical methods to salvage dangerous industrial wastes.

Most importantly, we must encourage forestation. Including environmental education as part of the school, TVET and campus curriculum will also help. Similarly, it is essential to socialize and humanize all environmental issues. Further, we must encourage uses of non-conventional sources of energy, especially solar energy. Looking for substitutes for proven dangerous materials on the basis of local resources and needs will help. Likewise, we must produce environment-friendly products. It is also essential to popularize the use of organic fertilizers and other bio techniques. Finally, the key is environmental management which must be monitored and ensure accountability.

How is our food related to sustainability?

Sustainability is a common term, but what exactly does it mean and how does it affect you? Simply put, it is the practice of choosing foods that support human and environmental health without negatively affecting future generations. What you eat matters for your health and the welfare of others. When you choose to purchase and eat certain foods, you are supporting specific farming practices. Some farming practices are more sustainable than others. So by choosing foods from farms that honor sustainability, you are doing your part to protect domestic resources.

Why does making sustainable food choices matter?

Sustainable farming is critical for conserving the land for future generations. If land becomes unusable to farm, more land will need to be created, which can lead to the destruction of forests. Water, soil, and air pollution from chemicals and greenhouse gases can also harm the environment and contribute to climate change. Although sustainability seems like a far-reaching large-scale issue, you can play your part by being thoughtful of what you put on your plate.

Few ways to be more sustainable with your diet

1. Eat more plant-based meals- Meat production produces more greenhouse gases than plant production. Plant-based foods are easier on the environment.
2. Shop local for in-season produce to support your community. You can find in-season produce at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Buying local can ensure you are getting fresh, in-season produce that required less resources to cargo long distances. Shopping local also allows you to develop relationships with local farmers.
3. Cut Waste- Check out online blogs “Tips to Reduce Food Waste” for helpful tips to reduce food waste. It is surprising how many things you can do! Purchasing reusable grocery bags is another small step you can take to reduce waste.
4. Try to grow your own produce- Being able to see and experience the process of growing produce can help you understand the factors that go in to growing produce on a larger scale. Start small! Try to grow an herb you use frequently such as coriander, garlic, greens, onion or one produce plant such as tomatoes.
5. Start the conversation - Talk about sustainability with your local community, family, and friends to help make them aware. You could do this by inviting your family or friends to go shopping with you at a local grocery store or farmer’s market. Reusable grocery bags and water bottles can make also make great gifts and provide a moment to teach someone why they are beneficial.

 

 

 

Sustainable food production

·         Farming: Using methods that protect the environment, conserve water, and improve soil health 

·         Ranching: Raising a moderate number of animals, and rotating them around a pasture 

·         Protein sources: Using sustainable protein sources like crickets, which require less water and feed than cattle 

 

Sustainable food preparation 

·         Planning: Making a Nepalese meal plan and shopping list, and sticking to it

·         Storage: Storing food properly so it lasts longer

·         Waste reduction: Avoiding impulse buys, limiting plastic, and recycling

 

Sustainable food consumption

·         Eating seasonally: Eating fruits and vegetables that were harvested during their typical growing season 

·         Eating plant-based: Eating more fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans, and reducing red meat and dairy 

·         Supporting sustainable agriculture: Supporting farmers and ranchers who use sustainable practices 

There are many things you can do to practice sustainability starting with even just one of the above tips. To sum it up, sustainable development continuously seeks to achieve social and economic progress in ways which will not exhaust the planet finite natural resources. Thus, we must all develop ways to meet these needs so that our future generations can inherit a healthier and greener planet.