What You Can Do

Sustainable living starts with a choice. If you are unsure of why we are promoting sustainability, read Why Sustainability.

This website has ideas to get you started and has links to other websites with more information and ideas, as well.

Bookmark these pages! While most of what we have right now is focused on environmental sustainability, we will be expanding these web pages to include other aspects of sustainability, as well, so check back later.

Why Sustainability?

Simply put, living a sustainable lifestyle is living without exhausting any resource. While this certainly has environmental implications, it also applies to finances, health and the general well being, of each person, family, and community.

To live a sustainable life means:

• To leave the world in a better state for your children and grandchildren.
• To reduce the amount of energy you use
• To reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions you product
• To save money by making better choices
• To save the environment by making better choices

Many people believe living a sustainable life will decrease their quality of life. There are trade-offs, but the idea is to make the best of life today, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Consider this example. Currently, many houses are built to be affordable. Cost to purchase is the number one consideration. However, these houses are often more expensive in the long-term because of higher costs for heating and electricity. If the house were built to a higher standard (more energy efficient, solar panels on the roof, heat recovery ventilation, etc.), the house might cost more to purchase, but would ultimately cost less because of the decreased cost of operation. There is no suffering involved. In fact, quality of life is higher, because of money saved, higher air quality and greater indoor comfort. AND the environment will be in better shape.

However, most North Americans are living beyond what is currently sustainable. The Earth Day network has a simple quiz that will give you a rough idea of your impact on the planet. And browse this site for more tips to make your world sustainable.

For a definition of the Principles of Sustainability, see Model Principles. The page of Definitions explains the meaning of many words used when talking about sustainability.