Sustainable Development is a fairly new term and has been used in ways that may not express the actual principles involved. The term is being used to describe new technologies as well as new economies, and both are connected.

Economists search for ways to ensure sustainable economic growth by balancing the growth markets in the hope of avoiding another economic breakdown as has been seen in 2008-2009. Ecologists search for ways to ensure sustainable production in the industrial, manufacturing and consumer products development and supply chain, as well as the disposal of by-products. Legislators search for ways to ensure sociopolitical sustainability in that all three, social, environmental and economic development may be truly sustainable.

Sustainability has been defined by the Brundtland Commission as development (economic, environmental, and social) that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

The United Nations 2005 World Summit Outcome Document refers to the “interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars” of sustainable development as economic development, social development, and environmental protection.

Some international forums have argued that there are four pillars of sustainable development. They believe that cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. It becomes one of the roots of development understood not just in the context of economic growth, but also as a way to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual existence.

Green Development is now in a class by itself. Green development focuses solely on processes that protect the environment while not necessarily taking economy into account. For example, if a highly green manufacturing plant is unable to support itself economically and closes, the business may have been environmentally sustainable, but not economically sustainable and society is harmed.

The Network of Excellence, sponsored by the European Union, has developed a system entitled “Sustainable Development in a Diverse World” in which cultural diversity and multidisciplinary capacities are integrated.

Sustainable manufacturing would include a careful assessment of the sustainability of the entire process and lifecycle of the product or service. The manufacturing process is examined to ensure low or no environmental impact. The shipping process is examined to reduce or eliminate environmental impact. The life cycle and final disposal of the product are examined to reduce or eliminate environmental impact. Any product or service would need to be examined and interpreted in this context.

Sustainable growth is a term that may still be lacking clear definition. Until each segment of society takes an equal concern in the issues, there will still be voids in the system. Uncontrolled corporate greed must be dealt with. There will always be those who believe they can skirt the law and realize huge profits at the expense of the environment and society.

It has been said that you can tell someone they should do the right thing and they might do it. On the other hand, if you take money out of their pockets, you can be assured they will do the right thing. It is unfortunate that more people and corporations won’t do the right things until they are fined for doing the wrong things.

Although economic growth does not necessarily cause increased environmental damage, the lack of regulation and the nasty parts of human nature leave us concerned that any growth will lead to further environmental damage.

This is yet another case when the citizens of the world must be involved in these processes, not just sit back and see what happens. History has shown us that we often wait until a disaster is upon us before we will take action.