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Definition and Vision of a Sustainable Society

Definition of a Sustainable Society

In order to sustain an economy, resources cannot be drawn upon more rapidly than they can be replaced. Wealth generated within a sustainable economy must remain within that economy. A sustainable economy cannot be dependent on outside sources of wealth. A sustainable economy need not produce everything it needs but rather can produce a surplus which then can be traded with other societies for those needed goods that are not produced locally.

Each person in a sustainable society understands that nature provides the necessities of life and accepts a responsibility for maintaining and preserving the natural order for future generations. Resources drawn from the environment must not be taken more rapidly than they can be replenished by nature. Waste from human activities cannot exceed the capacity of the environment to breakdown and utilize such materials.

The traditions, legends, and teachings of a sustainable culture are designed to preserve the sustainable society. Traditions and legends instill the basic precepts of a sustainable society in youngsters to that they understand how the society works and the importance of their contributions to the community.

Vision Statement

A sustainable society is small. People generally either know each other personally or know of each other. There are no strangers except outside the community.

Families are the foundation of a sustainable society, functioning as smaller sub-units of the larger society. Extended families are the norm with children, parents, and grand-parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins living in close proximity and supporting one another.

Everyone is expected to contribute to the general welfare of the community and in turn, receives assistance from the community. This may take the form of "barn-raising" or simply pitching in to help a family thru a misfortune.

Decisions that affect the community are made by consensus. Decisions made by the community may not be over-ruled by an outside authority. Individuals that persistently act contrary to the welfare of the community may be banished upon a decision of the community.

A sustainable society produces most of what it needs and trades its surplus for necessary goods that it does not produce. A sustainable society is not dependent on consumer goods and minimizes its use of such goods. Hence, a sustainable society has no need of credit and little need for outside currency. A local currency based on gold and/or silver may be used to supplement barter.

All land within the geographical bounds of the sustainable society is either owned by members of the community or by the community at large. There are no "absentee land-lords" or foreign corporate owners who make decisions affecting the community welfare.

Everyone participates in a sustainable society. There is little distinction between work as employment and one's everyday activities as a wide variety of activities serve to provide food, shelter, and clothing. Open "farmer's" markets provide food stuffs, clothing, and various handicrafts for barter or purchase with the local currency.

A sustainable society has reverence for the natural world around us. Animals, plants, the river and ocean are all considered sacred and not to be wasted. The natural world is seen as the source of our sustenance that is a gift that we receive in return for protecting and preserving our environment.

Education in a sustainable society is provided largely within the family with supplemental "classes" provided by community members. Subjects include gardening, ranching, fishing, gathering wild plants, as well as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Community members may also provide classes in science as it relates to the environment.

Last Updated: 30 Sep 2004