Sustainability development at its very core is very applicable in both developing and developed countries. Van Cotthem maintains that for sustainability development to be implemented successfully in developing countries, action has to take place at the local and community level, and will likely need to be supported by various stakeholders from both public and private sectors. Developmental NGOs (e.g., Oxfam International, Heifer International) have practiced sustainability development at the local level in communities around the globe, and are using ties with governmental agencies and other NGOs to maximize positive impact on these communities and on the environment in general. These NGOs, among others, are using the principles of sustainability development to keep people from starving, and at the same time caring for the earth – this is a matter of life and death, and goes way beyond the fuzzy feeling that we get domestically from tossing that empty bottle of water in the recycling bin.

So, a very relevant question to ask is that if NGOs are supporting the impoverished through sustainability practices and bettering the earth, all the while providing income and nourishment that has historically been absent, why can’t we follow suit domestically, if only a little? And would the impact not be greater on the earth as a whole? Considering that America is the second largest emissions producer in per capita terms (next to Australia) and also second overall as a country (behind China), there appear to be some great lessons that can to be learned from the developing, and a lot of opportunity to care for the earth while at the same time furthering our own financial well being (i.e., saving/making money).

According to GreenBiz.com, some communities, such as one particular group in Virginia, around the country are taking note. In a recent article, GreenBiz.com wrote, “Governments for Sustainability USA is teaming up with the Virginia Municipal League to promote greener communities … that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” Going beyond sustainability initiatives that communities are undertaking, and even beyond sustainability initiatives that businesses are undertaking (e.g., Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park, one of the worlds most efficient skyscrapers ), I started wondering about what I could do at the personal level. And what if other individuals just like me joined in to ratchet sustainable living up to the community level … what could we accomplish if we as American’s take a grass roots approach to solving the climate problems that WE have caused as the second highest per capita producer of CO2 emissions in the world?

I turned to the EPA for a little help in answering some of my questions. Using the Household Emissions Calculator found at Epa.gov, I followed the steps and calculated the number of pounds of CO2 I emit every year. Much to my dismay, my levels were HIGHER than the average American (according to Epa.gov, the average American emits 20,750 pounds of CO2 per year). Going through all of the FREE steps (such as reducing miles driven by 15 a week, performing maintenance on my vehicle, turning down the heat by 5 degrees, using energy efficient bulbs, etc.), I could reduce my emissions by 18 percent and also save almost $500 a year (check out the eBook, Eco:Vative Ideas available at www.ecovativeideas.com for more cost-saving tips).

By being a little more proactive, and doing things like purchasing a more efficient car, replacing the single-pane windows in my apartment, buying a new energy efficient refrigerator, and replacing my old boiler, I can reduce by emissions by over 70% and save over $2,000 a year. If everyone was to take these energy and emissions savings tips, America would drop about 50 places in the worldwide emissions spectrum. If 5 million American’s were to join me in taking on all the recommended steps put forth by the EPA, we would save an aggregate in excess of $10 billion dollars annually.

Considering the rebates and the tax-incentives out there for being more personally responsible and sustainable, even the recommendations that cost a little bit are extremely feasible. And, if approached with the business mind-set I developed in business schools, working in corporations, and working as an entrepreneur, the small up-front investments would actually pay for itself over and over again in the long run.

If the concept and application of sustainability development works for providing nourishment and income to those in developing countries, those who otherwise would starve and be unable to provide for their families, I don’t see why it can’t work in the context of individuals, communities, businesses, states, or even America as a whole.

Christopher A. Craig, MBA, MA

1. From desertification.wordpress.com, August 26th, 2010.
2. See Oxfam.org and Heifer.org
3. See businessgreen.com
4. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS159184698020100826 on August 28th, 2010
5. See http://environment.bankofamerica.com.