“ The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it ,” said polar explorer Robert Swan . Global warming, pollution, droughts, crop failures, famine. We have to take action. Now, here, and sustainably.
What does sustainability mean?
A sustainable lifestyle was lived long before the development of modern consumer societies.
People depended on the income from fishing, hunting and gathering to secure their livelihoods. Above all, this meant that resources were conserved and intended for long-term use.
The German concept of sustainability comes from forestry and was coined in the 18th century by chief miner Hans Carl von Carlowitz. It was about a way of doing business that was designed to last.
Accordingly, the use of resources must be thought of in the long term and designed for stability.
In short : Only as many trees can be felled as can grow back through reforestation.
However, the modern concept of sustainability goes back to the Brundtland Commission 's final report Our Common Future in 1987. The Brundtland Commission was established by the United Nations as the World Commission on Environment and Development.
She anchored the sustainability concept for the first time as a decisive benchmark for shaping the future.
The Commission describes as sustainable developments that meet today's needs without jeopardizing the fulfillment of the needs of future generations. So only what can be used by future generations and does not harm them is sustainable.
The three-pillar concept of sustainable development
A groundbreaking concept developed from this moral and ethical approach. It is based on three correlating pillars: economy, environment and society.
The aim of this model is that economic, ecological and social developments take place on an equal and coordinated basis. It is important that all three pillars develop simultaneously and in harmony with one another in order to be sustainable in the long term.
So much for the theory. And what does it look like in practice?
The world needs a plan
The Global Footprint Network think tank calculates Earth Overload Day annually. This shows the day from which the world's population has used up its natural resources for the current year.
In 2022 it was July 28th. Anything beyond that is consumed at the expense of our planet and future generations .
The 2030 Agenda – a treaty for the future of the world with 17 sustainability goals
Maybe you have already heard of Agenda 21 or Agenda 2030. These are United Nations (UN) action programs that define guidelines and goals for global sustainable development.
They are also based on the principles of the three-pillar concept and should be implemented in all member states.
On September 25, 2015, 193 heads of state and government came together to debate strategies to combat global problems such as flight, poverty, hunger and climate change. This resulted in the 2030 Agenda – an “ action plan for people, the planet and prosperity ”.
This guide contains 17 SGDs (Sustainable Development Goals) for sustainable environmental, social and economic development . It obliges states to ensure a life of dignity for all people by 2030.
These five core messages are central:
- Human dignity is the focus.
- The planet must be protected
- Prosperity for all must be promoted
- Peace must be promoted.
- Global partnerships must be built.
The UN's 17 SGDs of sustainable development are very ambitious. But they are also necessary so that the living conditions of many people improve and future generations still have a habitable planet.
To achieve it, everyone must work hand in hand : governments, authorities, companies and the population.
Would you like to find out more about the 17 global sustainability goals? Then you will be well informed here.
And how does Germany help?
So that we and future generations can live in a fairer and more environmentally conscious world , everyone has to pitch in.
Since each country is confronted with specific circumstances and challenges, the individual states have developed their own concepts to approach the global goals .
Germany has also developed strategies for implementation. This covers a wide range of topics, including areas such as education, social housing and income inequality.
So that the success of the strategies can be measured, the Federal Statistical Office prepares an indicator report every two years.
What can we do as a society?
Given the countless grievances in the world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Maybe you also think: “ I alone can't change the world anyway. “
True, but you don't need that! To initiate change, you don't need to live 100% organically or donate millions to charity.
We will introduce you to a few approaches with which you can quickly and easily make your contribution to a better world.
I do volunteer work
Do you not only want to make your own way of life more sustainable , but also want to actively support others? Then volunteer work is just right for you. In Germany, almost 40% of the population is committed to a better world.
You can decide for yourself where you would like to get involved.
- Are you particularly concerned about animal welfare and animal suffering, for example in the dairy industry, is terrible for you? Then get involved in an animal protection association or help needy people with their four-legged friends.
- Do you love children? Then you could become a godmother, read aloud in schools or look after children in clubs.
- Are you passionate about cooking? Then provide meals to those in need in social institutions or help people eat healthily.
These options are just a small stimulus. There are countless ways to make your contribution. For more information, please visit the German Voluntary Office .
If you want to take action straight away, you can download the letsact app , for example. There you can enter your location and select engagement categories. You will then be shown all the projects in your area that need support.
I consume responsibly with Greenforce!
We have a direct impact on the economy with our consumer behavior . Supply and demand are inextricably linked. To put it simply , what we spend our money on determines what continues to come onto the market.
A good example of this is the range of vegetarian and vegan foods . According to the Federal Statistical Office, production increased by a third in 2020 compared to the previous year!
In addition , meat production fell by 4% over the same period . Although the value of meat products produced is still far too high at 38.6 billion euros, something is moving.
Between 1978 and 2018, meat consumption even fell from 6.7 kg per household to 2.3 kg. Of course, demographic values and other factors also play a role in statistics. However, the trend is still clearly towards reduced meat consumption .
We at Greenforce enable you to live out the vegan lifestyle without having to forego the taste of meat , fish or eggs . Our vegan alternatives are sustainably produced and are also super delicious!
By producing vegan substitute products , we don't just want to follow a trend. We want to protect our planet and its inhabitants so that future generations can live as well as we do.
Our range of vegan products is diverse and we are always creating new treats for you! For more sustainability in your kitchen !
5 apps for your sustainable life
Do you always have your cell phone at hand? Perfect, because with the right apps you can easily make your everyday life more sustainable . Here are a few of our favorites:
- Too Good to Go : A free app that helps reduce food waste. Companies report their unsold food, you reserve and pay for it via the app, and then you can pick up your order at the restaurant.
- Ecosia App : The green search engine Ecosia is a sustainable alternative to Google & Co. Since it invests the majority of its advertising revenue in reforestation, you help plant trees while surfing the Internet.
- CodeCheck : The clever app shows you the product data using a barcode scanner. At a glance you get information and reviews about ingredients, origin, manufacturer, price and even product alternatives. A great companion for your sustainable purchases!
- EHW + : With this app you can always keep an eye on your energy consumption. Electricity, gas, water – here you can reduce costs and save valuable energy at the same time.
- Vinted : One of the largest online marketplaces for second-hand clothing. Here you can easily turn your discarded clothes into money or discover your new favorite pieces. And best of all: you help reduce textile production.
Together for a better tomorrow!
To the question “ What is sustainability?” “You now always have an answer ready. Let's fight together for a fairer, healthier and livable world. For us, our children, and every life on our planet !