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To me, sustainability is... 

What does sustainability mean to you? It is a multifaceted concept, touching on many different areas of human and ecological interest. While at its most basic definition, sustainability is about meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, it is also rooted in different perspectives and realities. Starting to understand these interpretations can help us create inclusive and holistic approaches to environmental challenges. It can also help to build community around these issues and empower collective action.  

At a recent meeting with leaders from student sustainability groups, we asked each person in the room to answer the question, “To me sustainability is...” Their answers are reflected in this image: 

 A word cloud representing student's descriptions of sustainability, including words like "conservation", "equitable", "stewardship" and more

In a room with people representing groups with focuses that range from ecology to solar cars to plant-based foods, four themes emerged: future, justice and equity, ecology, and consumption and resources. The words people chose - preservation, respect, community, alignment with nature, conservation, circularity - are all important components  of meeting current needs without compromising the future. And all concepts can help us to see the ways in which each one of us can have an impact.  

The concept of sustainability varies for everyone, shaped by what is most important to them.  While our definitions of sustainability are different across people, values, experiences, and cultures, the root of our connection to preserving our environment is often similar. Finding those alignments is one way we can create a shared definition and path to making a difference.