Bridging the sustainability gap

Sustainable development - we've all heard the phrase bubbling from the mouths of politicians, concerned groups, enlightened individuals and any commentator who can pour the word out like the foaming water of a babbling brook. And like the brook, its message twists and turns over and around obstacles until it merges with a stream, which in turn melds into the river, which eventually dissolves into the sea.

To most of us the theory of sustainability is just that, a theory. We all applaud the goals but have little understanding of the practice. Have a look around your home and office and ask yourself "how sustainable am I?" So, you use recycled paper, have some energy saving light bulbs, double glazing and some decent insulation, oh, and are seriously thinking about putting something solar on the roof. All good measures, but are they the right ones? Do such changes really make the difference? And what else is there?

Ask a neighbour or colleague what sustainable things they have done today without mentioning recycling or energy. Some might say that recycling waste and reducing carbon emissions is the golden key, with some social issues added for good measure.

Its interesting to note that in a recent Welsh Government Survey 83% would like to see greater delivery and enforcement of environmental regulation. The majority of us certainly believe in its importance, but how many could really say what it is they are in favour of? What are the practical steps that are needed to deliver some of the Governments tough targets? How can I help deliver a secure future for generations to come?

So, besides growing trees and melting cans what else is there? Perhaps society has its own answer to this question. Whilst the debate rages about industrial impact, ecological footprints and carbon bashing etc., we seem to have taken the argument away from its reason for being - people. And yes, all of the above is about people I hear you cry, but what seems to have been missed is that we are not only the cause, but the only solution. If we can't be persuaded to participate in this movement then what chance is there of it ever being truly effective?

A coordinated approach might well be a good place to start. Try searching the Internet for some information or advice and see what you can find - too much information with questionable relevance and even less meaning. We can't expect everyone to suddenly become environmental anoraks, but we can provide clearer, more digestible information relevant to the audience. World Environment Day is one way in which the United Nations is seeking to raise awareness and promote the whole issue, but we should also be looking at ways to promote practical solutions that can be applied in both the home and the workplace.

Schemes are available that go a long way towards this goal, but with so many organisations, groups and individuals with there own agendas it is nearly impossible to find any definitive impartial source of information.

If the whole movement had a common holistic policy then perhaps we would better understand what sustainability is. Some straight forward pointers, understandable theories and practical solutions under a blanket policy may help in delivering benefits across large sections of society.

Wales happens to be very progressive in the sustainable arena, putting sustainability into its very constitution. The challenge for the authorities now is to ensure that any such practices are communicated effectively to both their staff and populace. It is here that the effects of any countrywide policies are felt and where the message must be heard.

Policy should be coordinated on the ground with public participation a vital component of the mix. Commercial and non-commercial organisations should provide the means and facilities by which solutions can be implemented. Such efforts that do exist are disparate and rarely coordinated, with valuable lessons sometimes being lost.

Whilst well reported and sitting high in the public's mind, sustainable development still has some way to go before we can really begin to appreciate any ongoing benefits. The gap needs to be bridged between the theory and the practical. Sustainability is after all about people; about our lives, our growth, our future and well being. We are the ones who will shape its use and we are the ones who will manage it, provided of course that we first understand it.

By David Williams

Constructive Earth