A Look At Sustainability’s History

Sustainability is an essential topic in our world today. With growing concerns about clean water accessibility, food deserts, and climate change, we are looking for ways to reduce the waste produced in the industrial age. Unfortunately, there has been a “green-washing” of sustainability; the word has become muddled and thrown around to further consumerism. Consumers are being introduced to newer versions of older concepts with the new label of sustainable. Companies often use sustainability as a buzzword to increase their profit margins; this removes the importance of creating an environment that is the same, or of better quality, to future generations. I believe it is our responsibility to ensure the planet’s health since humanity’s industrialisation has directly caused such rapid deterioration of the world around us. With our personal responsibility aside, we cannot turn our eyes away from the environmental impact of corporations and the ultra-wealthy that consistently undoes individuals’ progress. The Shell Oil company emitted over one billion megatonnes of CO2 emissions in 2022 compared to the 16 tonnes of CO2 emitted by the average American. Apple emitted over twenty million kilograms of CO2. Corporations often lobby for policies that protect their industries and put up roadblocks to creating sustainable/renewable power sources. For example, NYS allows installing solar panels on home rooftops, but only for 25% of the roof. We watched as politicians decried the Green New Deal and passed bills reducing regulations in private industries while cities in this country do not have access to clean water.

As consumers, we must consciously try to reduce the overconsumption of goods and monitor our spending choices; however, without major corporations doing their part, the fight is futile.