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Environmental sustainability is making its presence felt—from furniture, office supplies, home designs, and even vehicles. However, why has environmental sustainability been a concern as of late?

For several years, we have heard about the ozone layer breaking down.  The ozone layer is responsible for absorbing the hazardous ultraviolet rays.  Hence these ultraviolet rays will enter the surface of the planet with the deterioration of the ozone layer.  Without this protective layer, humans will get several diseases like skin cancer and certain eye problems.  We are not only facing health problems when ultraviolet rays enter the planet.  According to studies, an increase in the number of natural disasters like flash floods, heat waves, and hurricanes is also possible if the ozone layer continues to deteriorate.

As a result, environmental sustainability was discussed during a United Nations conference in 1987. It was agreed on that environmental sustainability is a form of development that caters to certain needs of the current race, without placing the needs of the future race in danger.  However, the current population is growing in numbers.  A rise in the population results to the use of more and more available resources.  Unfortunately, not all available resources grow in numbers.  It actually decreases. This puts the sustainability of the future race in compromising situations. Imagine using up all the available resources that we have today. Where would that leave the future generations?

It is through this awareness that helps this generation to properly consume the resources around them. Through sustainability, we aim to use less of these resources.  It is also a goal to be able to restore these resources that we have used.

Environmental sustainability also encourages reusing and recycling materials. Moreover, it indirectly promotes creativity and resourcefulness.  Designers are challenged to come up with new concepts that will promote sustainability among its users.  Carbon footprints are also now considered when designing products.  More often than not, you can see eco-friendly products being sold—be it for personal, home, or office use.

Going green comes with a price though.  It is a lifestyle change for those who have decided that supporting the environment is the life for them.  Organic food costs more than your usual daily source of sustenance.  The same can be said with eco-friendly furniture and gadgets.  However, one shouldn’t be put off by the price difference. Remember,  going green will help this generation and the coming generations to survive for a longer period of time.