Daniel Esparragoza

Professor Babcock

English 138 Section 008

14 April 2019

Sustainability: Finding the balance between nature and humanity

Abstract
Today, as humans on planet Earth we are facing a global dilemma. Each
day, the population gets larger and we need more supplies. By nature, we are
consumers and we sometimes fail to realize that we consume our own planet,
and we are doing so at an alarming rate. We have issues with our environment in
all aspects. The manufacturing industry and power plants produce pollutants and
consume materials, the food we consume is not organic, our communities are not
designed to be environmentally friendly, and we are not being educated on how
to live a more balanced life with nature. This is leading to global deterioration,
and the more we consume irresponsibly, the faster our earth will become
uninhabitable. We need to make changes and become a more sustainable
population so that we can live in harmony with nature and preserve our home we
call planet earth.
What is Sustainability
Sustainability has been a topic for discussion in recent years as humanity
is becoming more aware of their global impact and the global issues associated
with a lack of sustainability. Sustainability is the pursual of balance between
humans and nature to support future generations.1 It is based on the principle
that what we need for survival is directly or indirectly related to nature. Therefore,
it is our responsibility to be cautious about how we live our lives in order to
preserve the earth. Definitions for the term sustainability vary from different
sources, however, the key term is “balance”. This is what ultimately defines the
idea of sustainability. We need to learn to find a balance between what we
consume in order to sustain the environment.
The way to become sustainable is to start changing the ways in which we
live our lives. Unfortunately, it is as if we take our lives here on earth for granted.
We live our lives carelessly and many people do not think about what we
consume and how that affects the environment around us and ultimately our
planet. It is difficult to change our ways when things appear to be fine since we
go day by day with no problems. However, as the issue continues to grow, the
environment and the planet will worsen. We may die and our earth will have been
fine enough to sustain us, but we can not be selfish. We must think about the
generations to come as well. They need our home too. Looking for new planets
to live on in space is not feasible or reliable. The sole idea of moving to our
neighboring planet Mars comes at a cost of billions of dollars. It would cost about
80-100 billion dollars to get a few people to live on Mars.2 We need to sustain the
planet we already have. This requires a change in lifestyle in which we begin to
care more about what we consume and how we produce things. Becoming more
sustainable requires a change in lifestyle, finding environmentally friendly
practices, and changing the economic views.

History of Sustainability
The issue of sustainability dates back to 1969. It was first addressed in the
year 1969 by the US Government's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).3
This appeared as a result of the Santa Barbara oil spill which brought about
concern over wildlife and natural environments. At the time, other environmental
acts were established as well such as the Clean Water Act.4

1
​“What Is Sustainability and Why Is It Important?” E
​ nvironmentalScience.org​, 
www.environmentalscience.org/sustainability​. 

2
​Dujmovic, Jurica. “Want to Live on Mars? It Will Cost $100 Billion.” M​ arketWatch​, 3 June 2016, 
www.marketwatch.com/story/want-to-live-on-mars-it-will-cost-100-billion-2016-06-03.
3
​“Do You Know When Sustainability First Appeared?” S ​ ustainability for All​, 
www.activesustainability.com/sustainable-development/do-you-know-when-sustainability-first-appeared/​. 

4
​Stofleth, Danny. “A Short History of Sustainable Development.” ​Rethinking Prosperity​, 20 May 2015, 
rethinkingprosperity.org/a-short-history-of-sustainable-development/.
 In 1972, the term is said to have been first used as it is today. It was used
by the Club of Rome in a report describing the state in which the global
population would reach equilibrium.5
Since those events that sparked an increase in awareness, the problems
on Earth have also increased. There has been more pollution, natural
catastrophes, and climate change. In most recent years, the concerns about
sustainability have been addressed more than ever before. There has been an
extreme concern with global warming. This has caused movements in all aspects
of life in order to maintain the Earth which we live on.

Global Warming
The most recent debate has been over global warming. A discussion has risen
over this at the national, political level. It was noted by scientist that the levels of Carbon
Dioxide were increasing on the planet. Over time, it was also noted that there were
many other changes occurring in the climate, most notably was that the average
temperature of the planet was also gradually rising. This is important because it was
having other effects such as increasing the sea level.6 Concerned scientists were
looking for the cause. They pointed toward the human race. Industry and pollution were
releasing gases that were causing the deterioration of the planet.

This graphic shows a steady rise in Carbon dioxide levels and global
temperature.7

5
​id
6
​Richards, Cory, and Michael Melford. “What Is Global Warming?” ​What Is Global Warming, Facts and Information?​, 25 
Feb. 2019, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/global-warming-overview/.
7
​“Rising Global Temperatures and CO2.” ​Climate Central​, 20 Nov. 2018, 
www.climatecentral.org/gallery/graphics/co2-and-rising-global-temperatures.
 The rise in awareness began to promote new approaches to how we live our
lives. Hence, the movement of sustainability was empowered. Scientists were looking
for new approaches to daily processes in order to preserve the planet. This included
recycling processes, reducing the use of motored vehicles, and one of the more bigger
projects which have been renewable energy.

Lifestyle
What would have to change in order to become more sustainable is the human
lifestyle. This comes down to the way we eat, the way we get to places, and
incorporating processes like recycling and composting in our daily lives.
It is our daily practices that will ensure sustainability and therefore result in a
healthier Earth. Living carelessly and unaware of the environmental impacts is an issue
of the past. Now, as awareness is rising, it is our responsibility as inhabitants of the
Earth to preserve the planet.

The Things We Eat

Most people are not concerned with what they are consuming as long as they get
their three daily meals. More people are becoming aware of the consequences that
exist with the food we choose to purchase and consume. This comes down to the battle
between organic food against inorganic food.
The difference between organic and inorganic food is that inorganic food is
produced through chemical means.8 This can include using pesticides, fertilizers, or
producing new seeds. This has been a new trend in industrialized countries. On the
other hand, organic food is produced from a traditional, natural way of farming.
Although the inorganic process ensures that food is produced as we want it, it is
extremely unsustainable. Inorganic processes cause land and water pollution, land
degradation, and climate change. These results come as a result of runoff which
contaminates water and soil with chemicals, the fact that some chemicals release gases
that pollute the air, and chemicals like pesticides and herbicides come from fossil fuels
which effects climate change.9
This shows the importance of choosing foods wisely. It is about purchasing
products that are more environmentally sustainable. Choosing organic products ensures
that the Earth is being sustained as opposed to eating inorganic products that have
negative environmental impacts.

Transportation
The main ways we transport long distances are by cars, buses, trains, planes,
and boats. All of these cause air pollution. Scientist and Engineers are working on
finding ways to limit air pollution from these things that help is getting from one place to
another. However, as they work on finding solutions, we can find alternatives
8
​“Industrial vs. Organic.” S
​ ustainable Table​, sustainabletable.org.au/all-things-ethical-eating/industrial-vs-organic/.
9
id 
 The two things we could incorporate more in our lives is using bicycles or walking
places. This is environmentally friendly and sustainable. Bicycle infrastructure is on the
rise in many cities. This requires good bike lanes and also parking for bikes. This culture
can help limit air pollutants. In fact, Copenhagen ranks as one of the most livable cities
in the world and there 30 percent of the people ride bicycles as their mode of
transportation.10
However, it is understandable that some people must commute such long
distances that bikes are not a possibility. Alternatives could come in daily practices that
are more environmentally friendly. Such could include using public transportation to limit
the number of cars on the road releasing pollutants. Also, using electric cars is rising in
the market and is a good alternative as opposed to using cars with gas. Unfortunately,
only a small number of those vehicles are produced in comparison to gas cars. In 2013,
83 million vehicles were produced and only 1.3 million of those cars were electric.11
Therefore, the infrastructure for electric vehicles is not as developed as for gas vehicles.
There are several different means for transportation and it is important for us as
citizens of the Earth to minimize the amount of pollution going into the air due to
vehicles. This can be done by finding alternative ways for transportation that limit the
individual use of cars that release pollutants into the air.

Recycling and Composting

As consumers, we produce waste on a daily basis. Of the waste we produce, a
large amount comes from items that are recyclable or organic products that can be
composted. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimated that in 2013,
Americans produced 254 millions tons of trash of which 87 million were composted or
recycled.12

10
​“Bike Infrastructure.” D
​ rawdown​, 19 July 2017, 
www.drawdown.org/solutions/buildings-and-cities/bike-infrastructure. 
 

11
​“Cars.” D
​ rawdown​, 19 July 2017, www.drawdown.org/solutions/transport/cars.
12
​“Municipal Solid Waste.” E
​ PA​, Environmental Protection Agency, 
archive.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/municipal/web/html/.
 This graphic shows the rise in recycling over time.13

The issue with trash is that the waste has to go somewhere. The waste is usually
put in landfills where it is left to decay. As the waste decomposes, it releases dangerous
gases that can pollute the atmosphere. Processes like recycling and composting can
reduce that if we practice doing both those things as a society.
Recycling is important because products that are recyclable are able to be
reused later on. This is the perfect conservation of resources on Earth. This reduces
wastefulness and helps keep balance with Earth’s resources. Composting is important
because when organic or biodegradable solid waste decomposes, it produces methane
gas which is 34 times stronger than carbon dioxide.14 This is a significant number that if
reduced, can truly help preserve the planet. According to the EPA, since 87 million tons
of material was recycled and composted, this prevented the release of an equivalent of
186 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the air.15 This was a dramatic increase as
opposed to 15 million tons that were recycled and composted in 1980.16 If society
continues to improve on their sustainable habits of recycling and composting, the
numbers will only continue to improve and therefore, the Earth’s environment will benefit
from our practice.

Environmentally Friendly Practices

Renewable energy has been one of the biggest movements in sustainability
because it incorporates the idea of balance between humanity and nature. The idea
behind renewable energy is that we create a process in which energy is created from a
source that can be reused again without being depleted. Such sources include wind,
sunlight, and water. This allows there to maintain a level of equilibrium on Earth.
13
id 
14
​“Composting.” ​Drawdown​, 20 July 2017, www.drawdown.org/solutions/food/composting.
15
​“Municipal Solid Waste.” E
​ PA​, Environmental Protection Agency, 
archive.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/municipal/web/html/.
16
​id 
 Wind turbines and solar energy have been the biggest contributors to finding new
forms of energy that can sustain the planet.
Turbines actually produce 4 percent of the global energy and are on the rise.17
They are a perfect example of sustainability because it is a form of energy that comes
from natures breeze and maintains balance with the environment. Solar power is
produced when sunlight generates electricity through an electonic process. In the last
decade, the solar market has grown an average rate of 50 percent each year and
currently, there is enough solar power in the U.S. to power 12.3 million homes.18 There
seems to be a positive future for solar power which can power small devices and signs
up to buildings and homes. This power is sustainable because it only uses natural
sunlight which is always available and therefore preserves Earth’s resources.
By using renewable sources, companies can produce things without disturbing
the environment. People can also use this energy to lessen there impact on the
environment and sustain the planet. Renewable energy is the rising technology that can
potentially be the main source of energy so that the Earth can be maintained.

The Economics
The economics of sustainability brings about most of the debate in regards to the
issue. Although it can preserve the planet, unfortunately, sustainable practices are
expensive. Changing from inorganic food to organic food can be high here in cost,
finding alternative ways of transportation can be rather costly, and changing to
renewable energy sources comes with a cost too.
Organic food is expensive. As of now, on the market, organic products are more
expensive than inorganic food products. In fact, the USDA estimates that it can cost
10-30 percent more to buy organic food products.19 Therefore, consumers are less likely
to consume organic products because many prefer the options that are not organic and
sometimes even taste better. On the positive side, culture is changing and people are
becoming more aware of their impacts. In fact, 41 percent of consumers around the
world say they would be willing to pay the additional price for organic products.20 This is
hopeful for the future. Younger generations are moving towards organic food. A survey
showed that parents between the ages of 18-34 represented the largest amount of
organic food consumers in the United States.21 This is a positive trend that may
continue to rise in the future.

17
​“Wind Turbines (Onshore).” D ​ rawdown​, 16 Apr. 2018, 
www.drawdown.org/solutions/electricity-generation/wind-turbines-onshore.
18
​“About Solar Energy.” ​SEIA​, www.seia.org/initiatives/about-solar-energy.
19
​Elliott, Sara. “How Much More Does Organic Food Cost and Why?” H ​ owStuffWorks​, HowStuffWorks, 12 Dec. 2011, 
money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/budgeting/how-much-more-does-organic-food-cost-and-why.htm.
20
​“A 'Natural' Rise in Sustainability Around the World.” W
​ hat People Watch, Listen To and Buy​, 
www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2019/a-natural-rise-in-sustainability-around-the-world.html​. 

​Watrous, Monica. “Millennials Pushing Organic to New Heights.” ​Food Business News RSS​, 
21

www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/8657-millennials-pushing-organic-to-new-heights.
 This graphic shows the sales increase of organic products.22

As for alternative ways for transportation, different ideas come at high prices. If
the country would want to model after Copenhagens bike culture, this would require a
change in several cities infrastructure in order to become bike friendly. This is expensive
and time consuming. Another idea that has been on the rise is electric cars.
Unfortunately, they are expensive because battery technology is still expensive.
Another issue is that consumers have range anxiety.23 This comes as a result of the fact
that electric cars can only travel a certain range until they run out of energy. Unlike gas
cars with gas stations, it is not easy to find charge stations. This would require a change
in infrastructure as well which adds another added expense. Changing the culture and
building the infrastructure takes a lot of convincing.
As for renewable energy, this too comes at high costs. They may be easy and
inexpensive to operate, but installing them comes at a very high cost. Installing
renewable energy sources is expensive and the consumers still do not trust the
technology enough to change from the energy they use and are accustomed to now,
therefore, it seems as though it is not feasible. The expenses pose a threat to efforts to
help with climate change. Another fear is that companies will just move operations to
countries which are less “green” in order to work against high energy expenses that
could arise from renewable energy sources.24 The views on renewable energy are
divided because although it can help save the planet, it comes at a high expense.
What must change is the views on the economics of the issue. Overall, becoming
more “green” and sustainable is expensive. The high costs, however, should not
dissuade people. People most look beyond a price tag and understand the value of the
Earth and the importance of sustaining the planet.

22
​“Organic Market Analysis.” O
​ TA​, ota.com/resources/market-analysis.
23
​Deaton, Jamie Page. “Challenges Facing the Electric Car Industry.” H
​ owStuffWorks​, HowStuffWorks, 6 Dec. 2011, 
auto.howstuffworks.com/challenges-facing-the-electric-car-industry.htm.
24
​“Why Is Renewable Energy so Expensive?” ​The Economist​, The Economist Newspaper, 5 Jan. 2014, 
www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2014/01/05/why-is-renewable-energy-so-expensive.
Taking Action
Most actions require a change in society. Such include encouraging recycling,
using fewer motor vehicles, eating organic foods, paying higher prices for things
produced in environmentally friendly processes.
In the current state in which we are in, it is essential that two things take place in
order to sustain our planet. The two things are legislation and education.
Legislation should only be used in order to set up more laws that encourage the
protection of the planet. Such laws can come from the EPA which have been involved
with the sustainability issue. Legislation can also encourage environmentally friendly
practices so companies are enforced to keep being green in mind. In fact, today,
companies and engineers are forced to think about sustainability. People can no longer
just make things in the most efficient and cheap ways. The planet is becoming a priority
and it is becoming important to do things in the most eco-friendly ways.
The legislation is not enough though. The bulk of this issue can be fixed starting
by changing our culture and societal views. This is done by education. Schools and
environmental agencies must teach younger generations the importance of
sustainability and the value of Earth. Once people learn to care, the do things out of
their hearts and not because they are told to. The way to get people to start practicing
eco-friendly habits is by teaching them the value of it.

Conclusion
We have one Earth. This is our home and it is our duty to maintain it healthy and
clean for our generation and the generations to come. The way we can maintain our
planet is by finding the balance between humanity and nature. When we find the
balance, we will be able to sustain the planet and the human population. Positive trends
are already being seen in society and scientist are pushing for more sustainable
solutions. By encouraging more legislation and educating people about the issue, the
citizens of the Earth can become more sustainable.