Understand Sustainability and Pillars of Sustainability with Practical Examples

Today we will learn about sustainability. Additionally, you would get to understand it whether you are a teenager or an adult. This whole article by GRINista will make you understand the concept in total, initially the definition and its essential pillars as well thereafter!

Table of Contents

So Initially if you are a child who knows nothing, just nothing about sustainability then simply Sustainability means taking care of our planet so that it stays healthy and beautiful for a very, very long time, even when you and I are all grown up.

It’s like when you have a favourite toy, and you want to make sure it lasts a long time, so you don’t break it or use up all its batteries too quickly. Sustainability is about doing things in a way that doesn’t harm the Earth and helps us keep enjoying all the wonderful things it gives us, like clean air, clean water, and beautiful forests with lots of animals.

Now since you have got the basic idea of it, right?

So, here is the official definition of it according to Wikipedia:

“Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In addition to natural resources, we also need social and economic resources. Sustainability is not just environmentalism. Embedded in most definitions of sustainability we also find concerns for social equity and economic development”

Now with this clear, let’s get ahead with the different pillars of sustainability:

Pillars of Sustainability

Next in this article, we will be breaking down its three foundational pillars: environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability. In the context of each of these pillars, we will delve into concrete yet practical examples that illustrate the practical application of these principles in the real world. These instances range from our general observations around the preservation of natural ecosystems to the promotion of inclusive societies and the implementation of responsible economic strategies.

Before we get to understand all and total detail about the different pillars of sustainability ahead, let’s start with a key comparison of the three pillars of sustainability

Environmental Sustainability

Social Sustainability

Economic Sustainability

Pillar 1	A Brief of Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability	– Protects natural resources and ecosystems
	– Reduces pollution and waste
	– Conserves biodiversity
	– Addresses climate change and global environmental challenges

Table showing A Brief of Environmental Sustainability in points

Pillar 2	A Brief of Social Sustainability
Social Sustainability	– Promotes human well-being and quality of life
	– Ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities
	– Develops social justice and inclusion
	– Supports healthy and resilient communities

Table showing A Brief of Social Sustainability in points

Pillar 3	A Brief of Economic Sustainability
Economic Sustainability	– Manages resources and finances for long-term prosperity
	– Encourages responsible business practices
	– Considers social and environmental impacts of economic decisions
	– Balances economic growth with social and environmental well-being

Table Showing A Brief of Economic Sustainability in points

Now you have clearly understood the difference between these pillars of sustainability in brief so let’s understand each of these three pillars in detail.

We will be following a Four- Segment- Format for each of these 3 pillars in the explanation ahead:

Description

Areas covered

One Example (for reference)

Its importance today in particular

1. Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is all about taking care of our planet and making sure it stays as intact as it can be. Imagine our Earth as a beautiful garden, and we need to make sure we don’t harm it too much while we live here. It’s like taking care of your favourite pet or toy so that it lasts a long time. We need clean air, clean water, and a safe home for animals and plants to live here peacefully and happily with us.

Areas Covered in Environmental Pillar of Sustainability:

1. Resource Conservation: This involves using Earth’s resources wisely, like not using too much water or cutting down too many trees.

2. Pollution Reduction: It’s about keeping our air and water clean by reducing pollution from factories, cars, and other sources.

3. Biodiversity Preservation: We should protect different types of animals and plants so that our world stays rich and diverse.

4. Climate Change Mitigation: We must work to stop the Earth from getting too hot by using clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

One Example of an Environmental Pillar of Sustainability:

The popular talk of finding Plastic Pollution is under this Pillar only. Let’s talk about reducing plastic waste. When we use less plastic and recycle the plastic we use, we help the environment. For example, instead of using disposable plastic bottles, we can use reusable ones. This reduces the amount of plastic in the oceans and harms sea life.

Importance of Environmental Pillar of Sustainability today:

Environmental sustainability is extremely important today because our planet faces many challenges. Climate change, deforestation, and pollution are threatening the Earth’s health. We depend on the environment for clean air, water, and food. Our 5 basic life elements- Land, Water, Fire, Sky and Air- the majority of our life elements get covered in this pillar itself predominantly. By taking care of our environment, we ensure a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

2. Social Sustainability

Social sustainability is about making sure everyone in our community and the world has a good life. It’s like sharing toys (you remember what we used to do in our childhood) and being nice to each other. We want everyone to have enough food, a safe place to live, good schools, and friends. It’s about fairness and making sure nobody feels left out. Simply put- Inclusive Growth!

Areas Covered in Social Pillar of Sustainability:

1. Basic Needs: Ensuring everyone has access to essentials like food, clean water, and shelter.

2. Education: Providing quality education to all, so people have opportunities to learn and grow.

3. Healthcare: Ensuring everyone can get medical help when they’re sick or hurt.

4. Equality and Inclusion: Promoting fairness, diversity, and respecting the rights of all people.

One Example of a Social Pillar of Sustainability:

Consider access to clean water. In some places of Rajasthan, Gujarat, etc (India) people have to walk long distances to fetch water. Social sustainability means working to make clean water accessible to everyone. When communities have clean water, it improves health, frees up time for education and work, and enhances overall well-being.

Importance of Social Pillar of Sustainability today:

In a world where inequalities exist, social sustainability is crucial. It’s essential to address poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunities. By promoting social sustainability, we create more equitable and harmonious societies where everyone can live happily!

3. Economic Sustainability

Economic sustainability is like managing our money wisely to have a comfortable life. It’s about making sure we don’t spend all our money at once, save some for the future, and share it with others. Just like you save your allowance to buy a car, house, etc. later, we need to save resources and money for the future.

Areas Covered in the Economic Pillar of Sustainability:

1. Resource Management: Using resources efficiently and not wasting them.

2. Ethical Business Practices: Encouraging businesses to be fair, honest, and considerate of people and the environment.

3. Long-Term Planning: Making decisions that benefit us now and in the future.

4. Balancing Profit and Purpose: Focusing on both making money and doing good for society and the planet.

One Example of an Economic Pillar of Sustainability:

Think about renewable energy. Using sources like solar and wind power instead of fossil fuels is economically sustainable. It saves money in the long run, creates jobs, and reduces harmful pollution, benefiting both the economy and the environment.

Importance of Economic Pillar of Sustainability today:

Economic sustainability is vital today because we live in a world with limited resources. By managing our resources wisely and supporting ethical practices around us, we can build a more stable and prosperous future for ourselves and the generations to come. It’s about creating a balanced economy that doesn’t harm society or the environment.

Sustainability and Pillars of Sustainability by GRINista — Pillars of Sustainability

Is Culture the Fourth Pillar of Sustainability?

Culture is often considered the “fourth pillar” of sustainability, alongside the traditional three pillars of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. So here is a basic introduction to our 4th pillar which is not as popular and accepted as the previous three but its importance remains!

4. Cultural Sustainability

Cultural sustainability is about preserving and celebrating the traditions, customs, beliefs, and values that make each community and society unique. It’s like taking care of the stories, music, dances, and art that have been passed down through generations. Just as we want to protect our environment and ensure everyone has a good life, we also want to keep our cultural heritage alive for the future.

Areas Covered in Cultural Pillar of Sustainability:

1. Cultural Identity: Ensuring that communities maintain their distinct cultural identities and practices, even in the face of globalisation and external influences.

2. Traditional Knowledge: Preserving the wisdom, skills, and traditional knowledge that have been passed down for centuries within communities.

3. Heritage Conservation: Protecting historical sites, landmarks, and artefacts that have cultural significance.

4. Language Preservation: Supporting the continued use and preservation of indigenous languages and dialects.

5. Art and Creativity: Developing artistic expression, creativity, and cultural innovation.

6. Cultural Exchange: Encouraging cultural exchange and dialogue among different communities to promote mutual understanding and appreciation.

One Example of a Cultural Pillar of Sustainability:

Each district in India has its diversity, its own culture, folktales, stories, anecdotes, and products. Don’t you find it amazing! Cultural sustainability in this context means ensuring that these stories are passed down to younger generations. This might involve organising storytelling festivals, documenting these stories, or creating books and recordings to keep them alive. By doing so, the community preserves its cultural identity and the wisdom contained in these stories.

Importance of Cultural Pillar of Sustainability today:

Cultural sustainability is of increasing importance in today’s interconnected world. As globalisation and modernization continue to shape societies, there is a risk of cultural homogenization, where unique traditions and practices are lost. However, maintaining cultural diversity and heritage is vital for several reasons:

1. Identity and Belonging: Cultural sustainability strengthens a sense of identity and belonging among communities, Developing a deeper connection to one’s roots and heritage.

2. Preservation of Knowledge: Many traditional cultures hold valuable knowledge about sustainable practices, herbal medicine, and ecological wisdom that can contribute to overall sustainability.

3. Social Cohesion: Cultural traditions and rituals often play a crucial role in Developing social cohesion, promoting a sense of community, and resolving conflicts.

4. Innovation and Creativity: Cultural sustainability encourages creative thinking and innovation by drawing on diverse cultural perspectives.

5. Tourism and Economic Benefits: Cultural heritage can also drive tourism, providing economic benefits to communities while simultaneously preserving their traditions.