By John Toth

What is Green? What is Sustainability?

Both terms are easily used and interchangeable. Smart & Wise use of our resources is the main principle.

There are many definitions for sustainability. The United Nations has adopted this definition: sustainability "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Sustainability relates to the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society, as well as the non-human environment.

Many think "sustainability" or "living green" is about making smart choices in the present and future. Others think it's a "holistic" way of Life with "all parts connected." What I do here affects what happens in the present and the future.

We often associate the color green with life - green salads, green foliage, green fields, green plants, green herbs, green grass and other forms of life that are pleasant to the senses, and fresh.

Going Green involves Green Living, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Markets, Green Transportation and even Green Dining!

I can "go green" with Myself, my Home, Business, School, Community, Country and World!

Many simple actions have wider impacts than we realize. Minimizing waste of paper and plastic is an easy start, using fewer harsh chemicals, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) and energy efficient appliances in our homes, and focusing on natural foods and personal care products. Keeping water and sources clean. Making good use of local farms and agriculture is another way to become environmentally friendly.

With windmills, energy efficient homes, local farmers markets, local food production systems, new forms of recycling, fuel-efficient, electric cars and bicycling, Americans are taking conservation and "going green" into their own hands.

Green Dining: Beyond "Organic" - the new Agriculture Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.

It is estimated that at least 25% of shoppers in the USA have shopped "organic" with this market growing at 5% per year.

Many restaurants are offering "green alternatives," such as organic salads and vegetables, organic pork, beef, chicken and turkey, raw food menu items and local food products from local farmers.

"Sustainable Agriculture" is actually moving beyond "organic" into a new form of "local" and "natural" agriculture.

Green Building, Green Transportation, Green Communities & More!

As with hybrid cars and organic food, interest in eco-friendly building and renovating is widely accepted.

Sustainable development is defined as balancing the fulfillment of human needs with the protection of the natural environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but in the indefinite future.

Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use and harvest energy, water, and materials, and reducing building impacts on human health and the environment, through better design, construction, maintenance, and removal - the complete building life cycle.

Green building is also sometimes known as sustainable building or environmental building,

Today the majority of houses that meet the U.S. Green Building Council "Pilot Program" definition of a "green" home - one that uses less energy, less natural resources and fewer toxic chemicals - are indistinguishable from their traditionally constructed neighbors.

Green Transportation is dominated by information for fuel efficient cars, multi-fuel vehicles, solar powered transportation, electric vehicles, human-powered transport (bicycles and walking), and zero emission vehicles. Look for continued development of technology in this arena. Consider purchasing a more fuel efficient or electric vehicle when it comes time to replace current vehicle.

To find out about sustainable planning for the Reno, Tahoe, and Carson area click here.

This earth-friendly site offers helful tips and practices you can implement in your household, school, or community. Please visit all going green features at our Going Green Section and realize that every little bit does help. We encourage you to share this information and spread the word!