Sustainability and the environment

1
Sustainability and the environment
PowerPoint three
2
Sustainability
Sustainable communities are described as places
where people lead lives of quality and dignity
without damaging the ecological systems
responsible for clean air, safe water, healthy
foods, shelter and human health.

• Sustainability is the goal of maintaining a
  human society over time in ways that are fair and
  just for all people and do not damage the
  environment and its biodiversity.

3
Sustainable development
The United Nations Environment and Development
Programme states that human well-being is central
to its efforts to promote sustainable development.

• A plan for the development of communities that
  balances the importance of a vibrant economy and
  sustainability.

4
Weak sustainability
environment
society
economy

• The three elements of sustainable development
  the environment, society and the economy are
  competing interests. The point where they come
  together represents sustainable development.

5
Weak sustainability
environment
society
economy

• This model accepts that many aspects of
  development serve the economy, society or the
  environment alone. It suggests that technology
  can be a substitute for a damaged environment.

6
Strong sustainability
environment
society
economy

• The environmental element of sustainable
  development is viewed as the common ground where
  society and the economy interact and develop.

7
Strong sustainability
environment
society
economy

• Development cannot damage the environment a
  healthy environment is fundamental to a just and
  fair society and a vibrant economy now and in
  the future.

8
One planet living
The phrase one planet refers to the level of
natural resource use required for everyone on the
planet to have access to their fair share.
Today, a small number of people use the majority
of the earths resources.

• WWF-UK and BioRegional developed 10 principles
  for one planet living that designers can use to
  plan places and products that promote sustainable
  development.

9
1. Zero carbon
How can packaging be zero carbon?

• The activity must produce net zero carbon
  dioxide emissions. Net zero means that the
  activity produces no carbon dioxide, or takes
  measures to remove the carbon dioxide it produces.

10
2. Zero waste
How can packaging be zero waste?

• All materials must be used cleanly and recycled
  cleanly in a continuous cycle or they must be
  composted to re-enter ecological cycles.

11
3. Sustainable transport
How can packaging achieve sustainable transport?

• The movement of materials and products must be
  done in ways that are good for people and the
  environment.

12
4. Local and sustainable materials
What types of packaging can be produced using
local and sustainable materials?

• Meet consumer demands by using materials that
  are locally sourced and use locally available
  technologies for recycling and reuse.

13
5. Local and sustainable food
What role can packaging play to promote local
and sustainable food?

• Promote and consume foods that support regional
  agriculture and food industries, and minimise
  their use of non-renewable natural resources in
  the form of fossil fuels used for transport and
  fertilisers.

14
6. Sustainable water
What role does water play in packaging production
and recycling and how can it be sustainable?

• Water use that promotes human health and
  prevents water pollution, depletion of fresh
  water, and harm to aquatic and marine ecosystems.

15
7. Natural habitats and wildlife
What role can packaging play in protecting and
restoring natural habitats and wildlife?

• The harvesting or mining of natural resources,
  and the construction of transport routes,
  factories, warehouses and retail centres should
  not damage or degrade natural habitats or harm
  wildlife.

16
8. Culture and heritage
How can culture and heritage be used to improve
packaging?

• Economic activities should honour and protect
  the culture and heritage of the communities they
  affect, and local knowledge should be used to
  make decisions.

17
9. Equity and fair trade
What role can packaging play in promoting equity
and fair trade?

• Everyone involved in the development,
  distribution, sales and recycling of products
  must be treated and paid fairly and have
  opportunities for a dignified life.

18
10. Health and happiness
What role can packaging play in addressing
excessive consumption and promoting health and
happiness?

• Beyond the consumption of goods and services to
  meet basic human needs, there is no correlation
  between consumption (wealth) and happiness.