Living sustainably means redefining one’s life to better align with what exists in nature and what nature expects of its inhabitants.  While it is important to recognize that our earth is fragile and commands our respect, living sustainably requires the understanding that a respect for the earth is not so much about the preservation of nature as it is about employing nature in such a way that it will continue to support human life; nature can exist without humans, but we cannot exist without the support of nature.

Living sustainably, then, means the deconstruction and re-actualization of the societal institutions that leach off of a one-way, negatively-impacting relationship with nature; it means slowing down from an industrial way of life and taking thoughtful action to renew a two-way relationship with the world.  This shift might start with individuals making choices in their day-to-day lives about what they consume, how they interact and why they propagate a particular lifestyle, but it is essential that these individual choices progress into the larger transformation of unbalanced and unsustainable institutions such as the current corporate framework, class divides, undemocratic political structures, etc. into organizations that include the wellness of nature among other human needs.

Truly sustainable living exists in a world in which a sustainable lifestyle is attainable and championed by all.  While it starts with individuals, sustainability requires the aggregate efforts of the entire world population.  A sustainable lifestyle will take different forms for different people, and it would be arrogant of me to pretend to understand each step that must be taken to sustainably employ nature, but I hope to engage in the ongoing discussion of living sustainably and to encourage others to enter into that conversation as well.  Living sustainably is a daunting but possible goal, and I am optimistic about our ability to achieve it.

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This post stems from the APLS Blog Carnival, a call for entries answering the question of “what does living sustainably mean to you?”  See the APLS Blog for more information and to submit your own entires (no blog required).