Have you ever seen a green wall?

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two key concepts:

• the concept of needs, in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and
• the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs." -Bruntland Report

Our current rates of consumption cannot be sustained, its as simple as that. If we wish to continue to live our lives the way currently do (in primarily first world countries), we can probably do so for the rest of our lives. . . but what about those that come after us?

If we don't work to protect our natural resources, and mitigate pollution now, what clean water and air will there be for our children?

What pristine oceans and forests will there be for them to enjoy?

Stewardship of the Earth is paying it forward for the next generation. It tells the children in our communities that we care about their well being and health. 

"At a time when Americans are confronted with increasingly challenging environmental choices, we learn that our citizenry is by and large both uninformed and misinformed. " - Environmental Literacy in America

Suburban sprawl as exemplified by the United States, despite its beauty and privacy, may actually be the greatest enemy of living sustainably. Low density development that covers vast amounts of land contributes to the tragedy that is automobile dependency. Although it is convenient for many, single occupant vehicles fuel our dependency on limited resources, and contribute to the amount of heat trapping gasses in our atmosphere. We are isolated in our homes, which greatly disadvantages people who cannot afford a car, as well as those that are incapable of operating one. Even to purchase foods, we must usually drive to do so. 

Our expanses of asphalt in urban and semi-urban areas contribute to the "urban heat island" effect. The dark color of our roads and roofs collect heat, which raises the temperature above what is considered normal. This isn't pleasant to experience, and requires more water to be used to maintain our landscaping. 

Another issue with asphalt surfaces is that they are impermeable, which means that the water then collects pollutants, fertilizers, and other harmful components as it gradually finds its way to the nearest drainage or waterfront. This is hazardous to plant, animal, and human health for various reasons, which include: lower water quality standards for human consumption, and aquatic "dead zones," which greatly harm marine life. 

Check out this awesome article shared by Columbia University about Urban Design: Sustainability Problems and Solutions

The greatest thing that we can do for our children is to educate ourselves about living lifestyles that are more harmonious with the natural world. 

Many European municipalities and countries are prioritizing ecological wellbeing when it comes to creating community plans and regulations. They require green spaces in neighborhoods, and preserve wilderness that aids migratory animals. They also incorporate beautiful, green urban designs that have many benefits. They also implement environmental literacy in their school children, so their appreciation of the natural world, and their role in collective stewardship is mandatory. 

Together, we can work together to help American communities recognize the importance of preserving wilderness, and implementing sustainable urban design.