There are many definitions of sustainability, but they have something common: “involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources” as it stated in Merriam Webster dictionary. Various definitions are in use and it depends mainly on field of use. Sustainability is not possible in all areas and for all resources. Example can be iron ore, we cannot produce it, it is only possible to lower consumption and to recycle iron products but that is not really sustainable. Sustainability in agriculture is quite broad field but with many easy and interesting solutions like “growing to sell locally”. Grow and sell in the same city, no need to worry about transportation, packaging or storage areas. Community will benefit from such production, nurture local economy, minimize energy consumption, and reduce air and soil pollution. Example for sustainability in industry is production of primary steel by reducing iron ores to iron. As it stated by European Commission: “Among the main environmental concerns for the steel industry is energy consumption and the resulting CO2 emissions.” Manufacturers are trying to improve the efficiency of the production, and to reduce energy consumption and emission of CO2. And they succeed in that by lowering for 50% energy consumption and for 60% CO2 emission over the past forty years. For sustainable services consulting companies are good example. They can share data online, have meetings online, and there is no need for transportation, going from one edge of world to another. They can do business without leaving their work place and with lower expenses. Location is very important in sustainable human geography and example can be construction of a house. Local materials, local workers, local ideas are most suitable for that location. In case that material is coming from other side of world, personnel and machines from some other place it is clear that is not sustainable way. Use of local sources will keep impact on environment as low as possible. Sustainability should be used wherever is possible.
Works Cited
"Top 10 Sustainable Farming Practices." Discovery Channel. Discovery Channel. Web.
"Sustainable." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.
"Sustainable Industry." Enterprise and Industry. European Commission, 16 Apr. 2014. Web.
