EcoZeal

The Natural Step is a plan for sustainability in society based on the Laws of Thermodynamics.

Times change. 

Most of us grew up in an era of compartmentalization:  Science was science, business was business, art was art.  The various disciplines - at least in the public’s mind - were comfortably segregated.

Now, as the world matures and technology brings us closer together, we’re starting to realize that the world is interconnected in ways we’ve never dreamed of. The science of ecology tells us that what happens on the other side of the globe can have enormous impact on habitats and organisms close to home.  Could the same be true of human endeavor?  And are there universal laws governing this interconnection that humanity could use as a guide towards a truly sustainable existence?

Swedish scientist Karl-Henrik Robert thinks so.  In the late 1980’s, while studying diseased cells of children afflicted with cancer, he began to think about the interconnections that exist in the natural environment, and to devise a theory of application to the human environment.  The Natural Step (TNS) was born. 

The Natural Step: Philosophy Applied to Sustainability

At the heart of TNS philosophy are four system conditions based on the laws of thermodynamics.  These represent conditions that must be met before a given entity - be it a business, community, or society - can exist in a truly sustainable manner.  The four system conditions can be summed up as follows:

“In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing:

·                     concentrations of substances extracted from the earth’s crust;

·                     concentrations of substances produced by society; or…

·                     degradation by physical means;

And…

·                     in that society human needs are met worldwide.”

The Four Principles of Sustainability are simple and elegant…but are they achievable?

Clearly, we have a long way to go before we attain TNS’s utopian vision.  But around the world, individuals, companies and governments are setting their sights on achieving sustainability.  It’s in its infancy, but it’s beginning to happen.

Here are a few ways in which TNC’s principles are being applied to the textile industry:

·                     Use of natural fibers

·                     Production of fibers in ways that don’t result in harm to the environment (e.g., organic)

·                     Manufacturing processes that find ways to eliminate waste

·                     Use of alternative energy to power production

·                     Recycling and re-use of products

·                     Eliminating the use of toxic materials in production

·                     Engaging in fair trade and fair labor conditions

As consumers, we owe it to ourselves and future generations to make choices that reflect the values summed up in The Natural Step’s Four Principles.  Now, while we still have the chance.

Find out more about The Natural Step and how you can apply it to your business or community at www.naturalstep.org.