Turning Theory Into Action

Current and future generations must strive to achieve a decent standard of living for all people and live within the limits of natural systems. Despite this apparent simplicity, there is no general agreement on how sustainable development should be translated into practice. Better ideas and policy can be produced through a process of triangulation in which a problem is analyzed from a number of different perspectives; a multi-dimensional process that includes economic, social, political, psychological, ecological, and technical considerations. These dimensions are interdependent and cannot be fully understood in isolation. The task is to work out the details and to narrow the gap between theory and practice.

The new world view which can guide sustainability theory into practice includes the following components.

1. A tri-partite model integrating economic, social, and environmental goals and requirements.
2. Ecological footprint measurement, to better evaluate how we are approaching or overshooting the very tangible threshold of Earth's carrying capacity.
3. Life cycle thinking and management.
4. "Total cost" analysis and decision-making -- making visible the impacts and costs often treated as externalities in our current systems.
5. A value creation continuum whereby rather than a "trade-off mentality," greater return and value result from more proactive and comprehensive integration of economy, environment, and social needs.

Consider the following example as an illustration of the new world view component number 1 (above), using a tri-partite approach. According to the "Chef's Collaborative Network," more restaurants are banking on sustainable cuisine. (1) Procurement of more environmentally friendly ingredients helps many restaurants attract customers, adding to their economic bottom line. (2) "Greening" restaurant buildings and purchasing products that are organically produced, or in the case of fish, caught by hook-and-line, supports low-impact environmental activities. And, (3) the social benefits are tremendous, from healthier eating, to support of local communities by the act of purchasing locally, providing more local job opportunities.

Practicing sustainability makes GOOD business sense! Another good business example of this new world view includes the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Green Partnership Program, considered by many the most comprehensive environmental program in the North American hotel industry. Through this program contributions to the waste stream are being reduced, energy and water are conserved, along with habitat protection and donations to research, lessening the plight of endangered species, and visitors are being educated about the fragile beauty of the unique ecosystems in which Fairmont hotels operate. This hotel chain is making a difference economically, environmentally, and socially through subtle, and not so subtle, decision-making and operational changes.