The Model: Visualizing Ecofficiency
At present, the sustainability movement is not much more than a collective intuition that we need to consume more responsibly. Unfortunately, as a concept, sustainability lacks the structure to help people understand how to make it a reality – what the components are, and how they fit together.
The following is our interpretation of the basic three-part Venn Diagram that many people have used in their efforts to bring structure to sustainability. What sets our model apart, is the importance placed on the relationships between the three central components – economy, ecology, and equity – as the building blocks for a better world.
Sustainable Natural Resource Management + Cultural Diversity and Appreciation + Environmental Justice =
A prosperous and peaceful world that we all want to live in
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The Components
Economy
Economics is a central component of any social system, be it capitalism, communism, or hunter-gatherer societies. All people consume, and in doing so, we exchange goods and services – forming the base of economic activity. Too often capitalism has developed economy at the expense of ecology and equity. While it does happen, there is no natural law of free market economies (i.e. capitalism) that dictates economic development MUST degrade ecosystems and/or weaken equity.
Ecology
Most sustainability models designate this concept as “environment.” Ecology makes more sense, as it conveys the importance of considering the natural and developed world from a more comprehensive perspective, accounting for the symbiotic relationships between all species – including humans. Ecosystems must be preserved on a local and global scale. Degraded ecosystems (frequently the result of export-based industries) have a destabilizing affect in impoverished areas, which is a threat to peace and justice throughout the world.
Equity
Citizens in countries such as the United States have demanded – and achieved – significant levels of environmental and social safeguards, ensuring a high standard of living and security across racial, cultural, and religious lines. While there is more to be accomplished, it is noteworthy that the US is the first industrialized nation to elect a minority as its leader. It is now incumbent upon the US – the most influential country in the world – to take the lead in spreading the same ethic of equity and respect outside of our borders. This will only help stabilize an increasingly insecure globalized economic system, while serving to promote peace and justice internationally.
The Relationships
Economy and Ecology
Sustainable Natural Resource Management
When the needs of economic development are balanced with the needs of maintaining healthy ecosystems – thus ensuring a lasting future of resource utility and benefits – we see sustainable natural resource management.
Economy and Equity
Cultural Diversity and Appreciation
Diversity and cultural appreciation arise when all stakeholders benefit from economic development. While this does not necessarily mean that every individual benefits equally, it does mean that no groups of people are left out of the decision making processes or economic benefits resulting from actions that affect where they live.
Equity and Ecology
Environmental Justice
This relationship ensures that everyone benefits more or less equally from the resources where they live; not just through economic development, but also through ecological conservation. This relationship also ensures that no one is subject to the ill effects of pollution more so than any one else.
