Sustain what?

“Sustainability: to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Brundtland Commission, 1987).

Sustainability is a broad concept that touches economic, social and environmental aspects. I won't discuss them ere. If you are interested, there's an incredible amount of information being produced and soon I'll post some interesting links.

Sustainability is also currently a trend. A beautiful, big word; which practicality escapes most mortals. Certainly, either someone you know, or even yourself, have popped the crucial question: “Ok? So, what's in it for me? I live here and now; and let's be honest I don't even know if I'll contribute to the next generation by making a baby”.

After all, not only our generation must suffer with the lack of conscious and exacerbated greed of the previous one; but should we also reduce our comfort to benefit the next one? Come on!

But, what if sustainability could be a form of kindness to us, besides the others and the World, right now?

That's why what I want to highlight here is the applicability of the concept in the creation of a better NOW  and not of a better future.

Let's take one theme among the constellation of sustainability themes. One that is already fully known and promoted all around: the three R’s: Reduce, Re-use and Recycle. And just to make the point clearer; let's focus only on the first of the three! And, let's leave the symbolic merit of how good it is for the heart and soul to free spaces for another time. Let's focus only on personal benefits and practical atittudes!

To reduce – an act of kindness to myself now!

• If plastic bags seem to multiply during the night in your home as they do in mine; I'm sure you are fully aware of the advantage of taking your own bag to the supermarket.

• As well observed by business people, economists and housewives: all variables maintained, spending less means more money at the end of the month to be used as desired. Are you tired of the decoration in your living room? Why not give it a new style by using some of the things your best friends are keeping in their cabinets? Why not turn this into a chance to spend time with dear ones; but also, an opportunity to have something with his/her energy constantly reminding you of how happy you are for having friends? Plus you'll be helping them to re-use.

• And do I really need to illustrate the benefits of saving water by having shower together? Even if  it is only once a week to make sure it won't come a boring routine!

Honestly, there is a zillion of ideas like this! Sustainability doesn't need to be a boring and tiring subject! It doesn't need to be in our reality as a burden. Nor a nightmare in which if I don't do things right, the World will end and it'll be my entire fault!

Of course it is essential to be kind enough to guarantee the needs of the next generations will be met. But let's also be kind enough not to haunt them with the weight of our "sacrifices"? There are more positive, more creative and funnier ways of looking at this subject in our lives. What if instead we became legends? What if, we live funny sustainability tales, and not only become happier now, but also have something to tell the next generations?

I challenge you to try! And invite you to post these tales, ideas and actions on the comments!