Sustainability: Introduction

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is about using resources wisely so we can meet today’s needs without harming future generations.

Sustainability helps protect health, reduce costs, and create stronger, more resilient communities.

It’s not just about the planet, it’s about balancing environmental, social, and economic needs to support long-term well-being for both people and the planet.

Photo Credit: Canva

Watch this 3-minute video by UCLA to learn more about Sustainability. Visit this link for more information.

Definitions of Sustainability

General Definition

Sustainability is the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.

Sustainability Mindset

A sustainability mindset compels a community to make decisions based on economic, environmental, and social impacts in the long-term, rather than just the short-term.

Scio Township Definition

Sustainability efforts in Scio Township need to address not only the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and waste, protection of ecosystems, but also the equitable distribution of resources and resilience in response to climate-related and other emergencies.

Sustainable Development

According to the United Nations (UN), “Sustainable Development is the ability to meet the needs of the present population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Watch this video by the UN to learn more about Sustainable Development and its importance.

Benefits of Leading with Sustainability

Climate change is already impacting the quality of life and the way we live.

In the last 50 years, Washtenaw County has seen a marked increase in the number of extreme precipitation events, the overall amount of precipitation, and the number of days with a heat index over 90 degrees

Native flora and fauna species are migrating, or otherwise threatened, and native ecosystems are changing as a direct result of a warming planet. Local action is the first step in reducing global emissions.

Leading with sustainability helps communities like Scio Township

become more resilient, equitable, and prepared for the future

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution in 2019 acknowledging the climate emergency and set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality for County operations by 2030 and Countywide carbon neutrality by 2035.

Watch the videos above to learn more about Climate Change consequences by Ted-Ed; and Sustainability in everyday life by ACCIONA.

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