Sustainable You

I was asked by a friend to talk about sustainable development. What does it really mean?  Aside from the usual goals of zero waste, zero carbon and zero whatever, what does it really mean to you? To us? And to dare more, to our future generation?

I always equate sustainability with the way we live. Whatever we allow to enter our bodies affect its functions. If we load it with junk, our arteries get clogged with the same, just like the sewers that get stuck with garbage.

It is a mindset that we have to discipline ourselves to take because whatever we do has an effect on those around us. It requires responsibility and commitment to pursue because it goes beyond our age.

It would be nice to teach our children early on what sustainability is about for it does not only refer the ecology but encompasses a far greater breadth. It includes values that are intrinsic especially among us Filipinos. Like cleanliness, concern for others, being humane, and sincere in all undertakings as these lead to deeper values like dependability, steadfastness, honesty and trust.

It values the uniqueness of cultures and finds beauty in the natural, unmindful of complexion or ethnicity. It respects the varying degrees of intellect as it makes us understand the cross-level intellects that are available and ready to be harnessed.

I recall being told not to expect something fantastic out of a simpleton. But really, their simplicity is in itself a great achievement. To remain modest and unassuming is one great feat in this complicated and highly competitive world. Because of their humility, they learn about life faster than the intellectual snobs. Most often the meek are more practical as they are unpretentious. They end up having more money because they do not crave for anything more than what they think they can afford. Thus they have better peace of mind that reflects in their courteous demeanor and young appearance.

We find it at times that those who claim intelligence forget that there is a God as they rely mainly on themselves. That is tiring, stressful really, and not practical at all. And not sustainable for we can never continue with life without God.

Sustainability requires political will and unity. Where cohesion leads to economic gain that is needed to keep things in order. Take the bullying we receive from China. Had they seen our country as a strong economic contender they would not have dared to provoke us at every turn.

Sustainability is thinking before leaping, it requires planning that is based on strong research and observation. Here is where Stephen Covey’s first habit of highly effective people comes to fore. Begin with the end in mind as every action has a corresponding reaction.

Another Stephen, Stephen Bruckner the founder of the Wolwedans resort in the  Namib desert in South Africa practices the five Cs of Sustainability --consciousness, conservation, commerce, community, and culture, in his development project. It is his intention to return to nature what is nature’s when the time comes. What he wants to do is once all is done, and the place has been enjoyed by many, the whole place will just go back to nature as if nothing really disturbed the area in the first place. It depicts what sustainability really is as the environment is return back to its natural form without destroying nature. This is beautiful and unselfish. And that is where sustainability really lies – in the human spirit. Beautiful indeed.