20/08/2009
What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainability and sustainable development are often pitched as the environmental Nirvana. Has the ‘disposable culture’ morally self destructed, opening up a sustainable society that will be the environmental panacea to our next eco-generation. Will the struggle between the sustainable management of resources and the drive for economic development result in the hairiest of balancing acts.
One definition from the World Commission on Environment and Development states that it is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their own needs” and this is very telling. For years we have simply used the world’s resources as if they would never run out but everyone now knows that this is no longer the case.
We have to consider our ever growing populations and dwindling resources so that we can try to bond environmental protection with economic growth hoping that each will complement and reinforce the other in the process.
One good example of sustainable development is the Forest Stewardship Council which has introduced one of the key initiatives of the past decade promoting responsible forest management that embraces social, environmental, economic, cultural and spiritual values, which will help sustain future progress in this area.
The FSC standards have proved to work across continents and their setting process is democratic and transparent offering plenty of opportunities for all those wanting to become involved.
Consumers can participate by ensuring that they look for the FSC label in the products that they buy, but this is only possible if companies are prepared to take an interest and become FSC certified.
To achieve certification and the right to use their logo, companies are expected to adapt their management and operations to comply with FSC requirements. By applying global uniformity to their rules FSC believe that they are able to achieve a positive and long lasting impact which will benefit us all.
For more information on FSC accreditation check the FSC website www.fsc.org alternatively you can email me on edm@remarkable.co.uk
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