T
he most oft-quoted definition of sustainability comes from the UN World Commission on Environment and Development: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” To live a sustainable lifestyle, you should strive to have as little influence on the environment as possible while also attempting to replenish the resources you do use. We are now generating resources, using energy and producing waste at a rate that is not sustainable in the long term. This creates environmental issues including pollution and climate change, which impacts the environment and all living beings. You can lower your carbon footprint and help to address these challenges by making simple adjustments to your lifestyle and business.
Sustainability in business The two main categories of sustainability in business is the effect the business has on the environment and the effect the business has on society. All companies have three different impacts; people, planet and profits. In order to run a sustainable business, these different areas all need to work together in symbiosis. These three different areas are often called the triple bottom line of corporate sustainability. The purpose of a long term company plan is to have a beneficial impact on at least one of those areas, but preferably all of them. When businesses fail to accept responsibility, the results can be severe: environmental destruction, inequality, and social injustice are all possible outcomes. When making business decisions, a sustainable organization examines a wide range of environmental, economic and social factors. These companies also keep a careful eye on the impact of their operations to ensure that short term gains do not become long term liabilities.
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