What is sustainability? What does it mean to be sustainable and why is it so important? How might sustainability impact our lives on a day-to-day or long-term basis? What can you or I do to be more sustainable?
Hello, my name is Robin Boles, and I am excited to introduce this new monthly column, “Sustainability Matters,” where we’ll dig into these and so many more questions about sustainability. I hope these conversations not only inform but inspire you to help make our community – and world – a healthier, happier, and more sustainable place to live now and in the future.
“Sustainability” has various nuanced definitions, but, for the purposes of this column, we’ll use the following: “Sustainability is the long-term viability of a community, society, or practice that does not diminish the opportunities of future generations.”
It is through this lens that, together, we will observe the world in which we live, from global issues to what’s going on right here in our own communities. In addition to writing about the climate crisis and its opportunities and challenges, I will highlight local activities and events as well as tips and tricks to help you meet your sustainability goals. In short, I will be sharing with you all the reasons why Sustainability Matters.
Though I wasn’t born and raised here, I’ve been a member of this community for over 30 years. I met my husband and raised my family in River Falls. This is where I learned what it means to be a part of a community. My work experience has been vast and varied, from growing organic vegetables to property management to, most recently, serving as general manager of Whole Earth Market Co-Op in River Falls. Whether cultivating berries, leasing apartments, or providing fresh fruits and vegetables to our local community, I have learned through experience and observation that sustainability matters.
At Whole Earth Market Co-op, I had the opportunity to directly impact our local food economy through increasing our purchases of food grown and produced by your friends and neighbors here and in surrounding communities. Working at the co-op also put me in closer contact with people in our region who are continuing to push the needle forward, making real and impactful changes for the good of our environment, economy, community, and planet. Through these connections and experiences, sustainability has become my passion. This column is my opportunity to share and celebrate this passion with you.
There are other reasons I feel so strongly about sustainability. One is because it is an expression of hope. And hope can offer a lot during uncertain times. It also gives us some control over our lives when much of what goes on in the world feels out of our control.
Sustainability is also about our mindset and how we do things. So, when we approach things with sustainability in mind, we are claiming our ability to make positive, consistent changes that have a lasting impact. This holds true for individuals all the way to the largest corporations; we can all adjust our behavior to be more sustainable.
Finally, sustainability is just; it approaches the world with equity and integrity. The work of sustainability does not exploit but lifts and empowers those who embrace it.
I look forward to sharing my thoughts – and hearing yours! Please send your questions and/or comments, as well as ideas for future columns, to me at roboles3@gmail.com.
