Talking about Sustainability Without Using the Word itself

Gary Spinks

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Talking about Sustainability Without Using the Word itself
The beautiful green space of Alexandra Park in Glasgow's East End. (Photo by Gary Spinks)

THEMES of BEYOND SCOTLAND (number 1 of 3)

Everything is sustainability...

... but we don't have to keep using the word 'sustainability'.

Some people have a clear understanding of what it means. Some have a good sense of what it means. Some have little or no idea, or maybe don't even care.

For me, sustainability means many things.

Things like (in no particular order):

  • Having clean streets, no litter.
  • Eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, less processed and packaged food.
  • Recycling.
  • Spending less on 'stuff' so there's less need for recycling.
  • Keeping good clothes and footwear for years and years, instead of always buying new.
  • Choosing to walk or cycle instead of taking the car for short journeys.
  • Giving trains and buses a go.
  • Building homes that lower energy bills and provide healthy amounts of green space for families and children.
  • Maintaining our local parks for people, animals and birds to enjoy.
  • Creating cycle routes and green routes for people to walk along, away from busy and polluting traffic.
  • Urban design which places pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users as the priority (not cars).
  • Encouraging ways to reduce car use and develop better electric vehicles, to reduce air pollution in our towns and cities.
  • Changing the tax system so the very rich contribute more - they can afford to pay more and the money can support communities across the country.
  • Challenging the lies, misinformation and disinformation from politicians, individuals and groups about immigration, climate and other political issues.
  • Challenging the racism, xenophobia and woman-hating bile being spoken so freely by so many.
  • Challenging politicians and political leaders to make better decisions so our world becomes a better place to live... for everyone, not just the rich elite.
  • Sharing positive stories, different solutions and pictures of hope - to counter the 'doom and gloom' and distorted view of the world we're given by most media.
  • Being more conscious about how we travel and how we choose our holidays.
  • Being a responsible tourist, regarding ourselves as both guest and guardian of the places we visit - giving back to local communities and supporting independent businesses and community projects.
  • Having a sense of civic duty and being an active part of the local community.
  • Doing an act of kindness every day.
  • Asking more questions.
  • Helping and supporting others to improve their lives.
  • Starting conversations. Taking first steps. Small steps or big steps.

I'm fully aware I live a privileged life. It's easy for me to say these things. I'm by no means a sustainability 'champion' or 'expert'.

But I am doing my bit.

SUSTAINABILITY in Glasgow, Scotland (and beyond) is one of the themes I write about for my Beyond Scotland project.

The other two interrelated themes I'll be covering are COMMUNITY and (Responsible) TRAVEL & TOURISM. Positive stories about people, projects and place.

Who wants to help me?

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