THIS IS AN OUTLINE OF WHAT THE PAGE WILL CONTAIN

What is sustainability?

  • Most easily explained by a hierarchy diagram. Humans are no longer at the top. All life is regarded as equal. Everything is connected
  • “Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations” –Environmental Protection Agency
  • 3 P’s of sustainability
    • People
      • Social justice and equity are essential. Hospitable environmental conditions are a human right
    • Planet
      • Protection of the natural environment and harmony between the built and natural environment
    • Prosperity
      • Economic prosperity depends on the stabilization of the people and planet

Why be sustainable now?

  • Climate change is real. It’s not a myth that hippies believe. It’s a scientific fact
  • There is much scientific evidence that humanity has come to a fork in the road regarding climate change.
    • We can choose to keep living life as “business as usual” or make dramatic changes in our lifestyle and public policy to curb the effects of climate change

Does it really matter?

  • It might seem that an individuals sustainable actions overshadowed by the countless people making negative decisions but every little bit matters
  • Individual action will gain support on the local and regional scale. These actions gain national attention that affects policy measures.
  • Consumers hold to power to force companies to change the way that they produce

How can I live a sustainable lifestyle right now?

  • This guide is specifically tailored to upperclassmen UVa students who want to learn the basics about a sustainable lifestyle.
    • Living off-grounds presents more challenges for living a sustainable lifestyle (your food waste isn’t automatically composted, recycling programs vary with housing situations) but, at the same time, it gives students more opportunity to make sustainable choices (no more meal plan, you pay for your utilities, etc.)

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