The task of living a sustainable lifestyle is the responsibility of the individual, not governments, corporations or ngo's

of the of the Concerned English 11 March The Task of Living a Sustainable Lifestyle is the Responsibility of the Individual, not Governments, Corporations, or NGOs’. In the last few decades, sustainability has become an issue of concern in every aspect of human existence. In fact the concept of sustainability is more important as compared to the concept of environmental protection. This is because the concept of sustainability do takes into consideration the necessities associated with human existence (Lipman 2010). It also extends to the humanity a workable and positive vision for growth and development. Realistically speaking, if one talk in the context of the impact of human needs on environment and finite resources, very few people tend to be motivated by it (Lipman 2010). However, when it comes to sustainability, things are not so (Lipman 2010). This is because the concept of sustainability furnishes the practical markers and framework for bringing about a positive change (Lipman 2010). In an ethical context, the concept of sustainability is directly linked to the notions of social equity and social justice (Warner 2009). Eventually, it is the lifestyle of the richest and poorest members of the human society that are a cause of grave concern for the future of the entire humanity, though for very different reasons (Warner 2009). The richest members of the human society tend to consume far more than what the planet earth can provide for. In other words, the richest members of the human society are much exceeding in their consumption of finite resources, without exhibiting any ethical concern or scruples (Warner 2009). On the other hand the poorest members of the human society that have meager economic wherewithal to lead an ethically conscious life are left with no option but to exploit the finite resources in an uninformed and irresponsible way so as to eke out a living (Warner 2009). Such uninformed and ethically deprived excesses may include cutting down the forests for subsistence farming and for fuel. Pressed by their immediate needs, the poorest members in the human society do lack the means and capacity to show some ethical initiative (Warner 2009). Eventually the onus for taking an initiative in the direction of promoting sustainable lifestyles, predominantly rests with the more well to do sections of the humanity (Warner 2009). Any approach towards a sustainable existence do shows an ethical concern for the well being of the future generations (Warner 2009). The rate at which the humanity is consuming the resources is much higher as compared the rate at which the nature could replenish those resources (Warner 2009). This is putting to risk the extent to which the future generations will be able to meet their basic needs. So, in an ethical perspective, the future generations are being left with a planet earth, which is biologically challenged and deprived and is dangerously polluted (Warner 2009). Sustainability is presenting to the contemporary humans, a reason for being morally and ethically concerned about the well being of the future generations. The humans can evince a moral and ethical concern for the well being of the poor segments of the society and the needs of the future generations by consuming the non-renewable resources in a responsible and concerned manner. Its goes without saying that the responsibility of leading sustainable lifestyles rests predominantly with the individuals, then with the governments, corporations or NGOs, because it is eventually the individuals who benefit from the policies wrought out by the governments, the goods and services produced by the corporations and the services rendered by the NGOs (Sustainable Living Project 2012). To put it simply, sustainable lifestyles are potentially attainable at an individual level. Americans, as individuals, though comprising a mere three percent of the world population, consume roughly thirty three percent of the planet’s resources (Empowerment Institute 2012). Out of this consumption, nearly seventy five percent of the resources get wasted owing to lack of awareness and inefficiency (Empowerment Institute 2012). It is the households that directly consume more than one third of the resources, and happen to be the indirect consumers of the rest of the resources turned into goods, services and products churned out by the government, companies and NGOs (Empowerment Institute 2012). Hence, the attainment of sustainable lifestyles could be realistically attained by the individuals, if they show more concern and responsibility in the usage of energy, water, land, minerals, etc. A more proactive approach in individual consumption patterns will ensure that ample resources are left for the future generations. Eventually, it is the individuals who if resort to evincing a responsible and ethical attitude towards resource consumption, could drastically decrease the environmental impact of their consumption patterns. Reference List Empowerment Institute 2012, Sustainable Lifestyle Program, Empowerment Institute, viewed 11 March 2012, . Lipman, Ben 2010, Towards a Culture of Sustainability, viewed 11 March 2012, . Sustainable Living Project 2012, What is Sustainable Living, viewed 11 March 2012, < http://www. cof. orst. edu/cof/extended/sustain/imported/concept>. Warner, Keith Douglass 2009, The Ethical Dimension of Sustainability, Santa Clara University, Viewed 11 March 2012, .