Recently I've been studying frameworks for assessing and advancing sustainable practices in business. It can actually be advantageous for businesses to "green" their operations. First, it increases their resilience in the face of dwindling natural resources and increasing concerns about climate change. Second, it can spark the development of new, forward-thinking, marketable "solutions" that address key challenges of the 21st century. In other words, advancing sustainability offers opportunities for businesses to do good for our planet AND emerge as leaders in changing markets.We're really living in an exciting, historic time. More and more people are realizing that protecting the environment and really valuing natural resources is not only a nice idea -- it is necessary for ensuring continued quality of life for us and for future generations.
Currently, we are consuming resources faster than they can regenerate, and we are producing more waste and pollution than Nature can effectively process. In the next 20 years, there will have to be dramatic changes in our economy and society as oil production gets more difficult and costly and the signs of global warming intensify. However, I believe the changes will be positive. We'll develop more respect for the intelligence in nature and be empowered to live in harmony with the planet. I also think we'll come to value local resources more and -- as a result of initiatives like the slow food movement -- build stronger communities.
Sustainability is about transitioning to ways of living that promote the health of the planet and people. We have the opportunity now to re-shape society -- developing smarter ways to live and meet our needs, while also protecting the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
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