The Florida we all know is running out of land, running out of water and running out of time. The effects of unchecked growth: the sprawl, the traffic, the urban blight, the environmental damage - and everything that comes with them - are taking bigger bites out of our quality of life every day. We can choose to find ways to absorb the growth better, or we can keep going the way we are. What happens if we do keep going as we are? Two words: Southern California. - from the Florida Department of Community Affairs publication, "Just What Do You Mean "Sustainable"?

Although he probably wouldn't have used the term, Thomas Jefferson may have provided the best description of sustainability: "I say the earth belongs to each generation during its course, fully and in its own right...no generation can contract debts greater than may be paid during the course of its own existence."

The President's Council on Sustainable Development, comprised of corporate, government and citizen groups, uses the Brundtland Commission's 1987 definition of sustainable development: "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". We are obligated by our very humanity to protect and preserve our world for future generations.

Accomplishing sustainable development for present and future generations means focusing on a long-term perspective. It means improving the quality of human life within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems. Sustainable development is placing equal and integrated emphasis on the three key elements - economic prosperity, environmental quality, and community well-being. Understanding the relationships among economic, environmental and community systems means that community problem-solving in a sustainable development context will consider, enhance, and mutually reinforce each of these systems. Following the sustainable development approach is an opportunity to lift the barriers that inhibit synergistic activity between and among these issue areas.

   

What Can You Do?

• Strong, livable neighborhoods are the building blocks of sustainable communities - get involved in your local neighborhood association. For more information, please contact the City's Neighborhood Services Office at (407) 246-2169.
  

• Protect the environment - lakes, wetlands, wild places need our respect.
  

• Park the car every now and then - walk, bike or ride the bus. Not only will this help our environment, its good exercise.
  

• Recycle! Recycle! Recycle!
  

• Conserve resources - water, electricity, gas. For more information on conservation, contact the Orlando Utilities Commission Energy Services Office at (407) 423-2378.
  

• Reduce your use of pesticides and herbicides - use drought-resistant plants.
  

• Stay tuned to the our Sustainable Communities website for more information on how you can help.
  

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