Every day, our world gets a little bit smaller and a lot more complex. So much so that even minor decisions can have major consequences. And not just for trees or frogs or polar bears, but for human lives. And livelihoods.
At its core, sustainability is about people. It’s the Golden Rule applied to the global marketplace. Empathy writ large—in hundreds of languages. Prosperity redefined.
As designers, we can do a lot. But first, we need to understand what and who is at stake. The Living Principles distill the collective wisdom found in decades of sustainability theories and bring them to life in an integrated framework that helps us think our way through the issues so we can start designing a brighter future.
Four Streams of Integrated Sustainability1
Actions and issues that affect natural systems, including climate change, preservation, carbon footprint and restoration of natural resources.
Actions and issues that affect all aspects of society, including poverty, violence, injustice, education, healthcare, safe housing, labor and human rights.
Actions and issues that affect how people and organizations meet their basic needs, evolve and define economic success and growth.
Actions and issues that affect how communities manifest identity, preserve and cultivate traditions, and develop belief systems and commonly accepted values.
1 Adapted from Adam Werbach, Strategy for Sustainability
