Sustainability

Sustainable endeavours are the development of methods and structures
the goal of which is to eliminate an individuals detrimental impact upon other lives
human or otherwise.

• It can be argued that all things pass and nothing is the only sustainable concept. This may not be true. If nothing is in fact sustainable due to it not being subject to change as it has no being to change a similar argument may be postulated that if change is the only constant then change is sustainable.
• Hence we have an argument that there is such a thing as sustainability.
  
• However it is inconceivable how the word sustainable can be applied to external human endeavours with such a meaning.
  
• A suitable interpretation would be actions that do not impact in any detrimental way to another life. Clearly this allows the mass destruction of inanimate objects where it can be shown there is no detriment to life- this is unlikely.
  
• The closest I consider I have been to such an idea is to play with sand or mud at the seashore with the confidence that the waves will shortly restore my sandcastle to a level beach.
  
• On small scales then sustainability means low impact alterations to the environment that have no conceivable detriment.

• Such a goal is idealistic and only limited success is likely to be achieved. However if large undertakings are acted out in small events each of the smaller events may be formatted or modified to be sustainable.
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  Sustainability can not be accomplished by agreement of groups; it is an individual's consciousness that has to find the method. We can help each other find solutions but the solutions must be personal. There can be no doctrine that other should follow.
  
  Not withstanding the ineffectiveness of group efforts, due to the overriding need to maintain the group, agreements can and should be reached on methods of exploitation with a view that each member of the group should express personal solutions to their detrimental impact. Where a number of people agree on individual low impact demands it is still proper for each individual to make exceptions.
  Exceptions to a general rule of agreement should be agreed in writing for the person requesting. A scenario may proceed as follows:

Jennifer Blaggins may wish to involve herself in company of a non-smoking regime with a number of people on a smallholding. An agreement is reached that clarified. Jennifer does not extol any virtues in smoking but finds it hard to quit (she smokes ten a day). She suggests that with support she could reduce her smoking to an eventual cessation. This will be attempted over the coming year by her smoking one cigarette less per day during each of the next 10 months.
Simon Smarty-pants is a special brew freak and a similar agreement is reached.
This does not mean that Jennifer and Simon can exchange, sell or give away their allotment. The agreement is for their consumption not their exploitation. It is necessary to support others endeavours to limit their impact by not offering them involvement in habits we chose for ourselves to continue. In such cases as Simon he should drink his ale alone and dispose of the can personally. In either event others may not wish to tolerate the smell of someone who drinks or smokes and so the exceptions will only work in certain environments.

• The first problem in achieving a sustainable venture is the consideration of the immediate company without whose support conflict, frustration and anger will develop.
• To refresh: - Sustainability really means not so much will the endeavour span a the desired length of time given their is always some conflict in the environment but what impact does the endeavour have on the environment both microcosmically and macrocosmically. I.e. do both the small and larger worlds that we live with benefit from our work and therefore give wholehearted support. If not then our action are not charitable but . Charity is to give of oneself not to redistribute onothers resources against their wishes. Stealing from Peter to give to Paul is not sustainable to Peter or Paul but may to the theif tempoarily susatin their comfort. Again it must be an individual action that decides on redistribution of another wealth. No inclusive or sustainable trust can exist with such designs.

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Roger Lovejoy sustainable July 23, 2004