By Sheila Sheridan

The word sustainability has become a common word within our environmental vocabulary with many definitions.   I am beginning to wonder if we, the readers, can define what sustainability means considering the multiple ways this word is used.  For quite awhile, I thought that I needed to be able to state the politically correct sustainability definition.  Much to my dismay, I discovered that there are multiple definitions concerning this word.  My quandary was which definition would I accept and feel comfortable explaining.  After much soul searching, I decided that I needed to own the definition and feel connected to what I verbalized concerning sustainability.  Now I have my own definition that I sense will carry me through my conversations with family, friends, colleagues and sometimes just strangers asking the basic question – “What do you mean by “sustainability”?

To hone my definition, I remembered the quote from the British philosopher Edmund Burke.  I delivered this quote in my inaugural address as International Facility Management Association’s (IFMA) 2002 Chair.

“No man has made a greater mistake than he who does nothing because he can do so little.”

My definition now is very simple.  Sustainability means to do a little, so that you leave this planet and its future generations better off.   I believe if each of us does a little that we will make a difference to the future of this planet, we call home.

What is YOUR PERSONAL definition? 
Now we need to translate our personal definition into actions within our community and workplace.

Organizations are making strides in changing how they interface, support and develop harmony with the environment.   These various sustainability programs can be utilized as educational tools for us to translate into our home environments.

Let’s consider the topic of water consumption and some simple efforts that can make a difference.

Over the past few years, we have seen a drastic increase in our commercial and domestic water and sewer bills because the environment cannot sustain our continuous high water usage.  The thought is that if the cost is higher then the monetary impact will change the way that water is consumed.  This is a very negative action but it does produce results.

Now is the time to look at “little” opportunities to save water that may become part of our everyday lives. 

Within your own community, you can consider native plantings to conserve water.  Many home associations require home owners to have perfect manicured lawns - here is an opportunity for you to educate these associations concerning native plantings and do a “little”. 

Search out successful native planting sites and share this information with your organization.  If you inform your organization about the opportunity to use native plantings, then you have done a “little.”

The use of low flow fixtures coupled with sensors and automatic controls can conserve water usage.  With a little effort and few dollars, there are numerous opportunities in this area to conserve water.  These water efficient materials are now readily available.  Low flow shower heads is “little” adjustment that can make an impact.

We can lead by example within our families by discussing how water is used within the household.  Of course, everyone has heard the story about how much water can be saved if we turned off the water as we brushed our teeth.  Does your family do this?

I am more concerned about the impact water usage will have on our future than I am about energy   Now is the time to start to conserve within our own daily lives.  A few little changes can make a difference.

Please think about how you use water and make a “little” difference.  And if you are already doing the “little” things, then take the time to share and educate others.  

In the words of Margaret Mead “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world.  In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Together, the “little” things that we each do can help us leave this planet and its future generations better off.  

For more about water, visit: www.waterconserve.info/.  Water Conserve is a Water Conservation Portal and Internet search tool that provides access to reviewed water conservation news and information. Water Conserve is for non-commercial, educational purposes only.

About the Author: Sheila Sheridan is Past Chair of IFMA and former Facility manager of the Kennedy School at Harvard University.

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