Sustain Ability

Sustainability is a very broad term. It is not about any one subject; it’s an all-inclusive and holistic approach to a lifestyle that encompasses and includes several factors. This book, Sustain Ability, reveals many such factors and discusses the ability to sustain ourselves during various phases of our lives. Sustainability, however, becomes critical during trying times and especially during times when disasters strike or when we face crises in our lives. In addition, this writing includes suggestions on how we should also sustain ourselves during good and prosperous times. Most importantly, sustainability here is also about planet Earth and all its affiliated and diverse environments and life-forms. This is a holistic approach to sustainability.

I have been involved in various aspects of sustainability for as long as I can remember. In addition, I have always tried to practice various applicable concepts as much as possible and whenever possible. These are not fanatical concepts; they are based on facts and on good available sciences. The definition of some basic sustainability factors was first introduced to me in 1990 by a professor at the University of Minnesota. Building on those basic principles and concepts, I took liberty to further delve into the various aspects of this subject and to separate the facts from the myths. It is amazing what we can learn if we have the basic desire and the commitment to do so. Many of the lessons learned were by researching and doing things associated and affiliated with this concept. For the most part, I also try to live sustainably. Thirty-five years later, I decided to share the facts of this important concept in this writing, Sustain Ability.

This is sustainability simplified. This writing not only defines the various global aspects and concerns of sustainability, but it also attempts to offer solutions. For the most part, we do know what must be done to minimize or eliminate such threatening factors. What is lacking is the will and commitment to implement the various solutions from a global standpoint. Three key reasons for that areignorance, greed, and selfishness. Denial, arrogance, politics, and procrastination can also contribute to such delays.

This is by no means a complete list of the various subcategories on sustainability. This writing is an effort to address some key concerns of this diverse subject and what should be done before it is too late.

I do understand that some people may not agree with everything written here. My response to them is that if they have better ideas and solutions, they should make them known or write a book on this subject. This is the best I can do, and I am very proud of the result. Thank you for understanding and for caring about all the issues that need varying degrees of attention on and for our planet. This is everybody’s business because disasters of any magnitude do not discriminate. Hence, it is better to be proactive than to live and die with regrets.

My intent here is to bring awareness to the global masses about some major concerns and to offer some key solution options. We have work to do on several issues that can prolong our long-term survival on this fragile planet. The choices we embrace today can and will impact future lifestyles and will impact the survival of various life-forms. Such choices are also about protecting the environment. Let’s choose wisely.