What is your idea of sustainability and what does it imply?
[Sally, Meru Herbs – Kenya]: Sustainability refers to the capability of people co- existing with the earth with specific reference to the environment, economic and social aspects. It is how we as humans go about life while respecting the environment, seeking social justice and creating economic value.
[Anna, Green Net – Thailand]: It’s the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. It implies that our resources are finite and so we should carefully use them without compromising the needs of future generations.
[Eleonora, participant- Italy]: It is trying to live in a way that doesn’t make things even worse than they already are; instead, it means trying to improve the situation. There are, of course, some basic, general habits, but I also believe that sustainability can look different for everybody.
[Claudia, Norandino – Perù]: For me sustainability is to take advantage of, consume or make use of resources in a way that does not harm their future existence, on the contrary, that allows us to live harmoniously in the present and for the future. To achieve this, we need to be responsible and aware of our consumption habits, we must implement actions in our daily lives that add up to small achievements, but multiplied by society we can make a difference.
Is there a specific “good practice” that you’d recommend and which could be put into use in a different country?
[Sally, Meru Herbs – Kenya]: Organic Farming and Use of Renewable Energy. Meru Herbs has always believed in Organic Farming as a way of respecting the environment and for the health of our growers group and our farmers. We also use Solar system to power our entire factory hence the use of renewable energy.
[Anna, Green Net – Thailand]: “Growing food at home”. By doing that, not only you can get free and safe food to eat, but you could also learn the journey of the food before it arrives on your plate, which I believe is an important experience. This action can take place anywhere but we should learn which plants are suitable for our location and condition.
[Eleonora, participant – Italy]: I’m from Italy, but I’ve lived both in Austria and in Spain for some months, and I noticed very different approaches to recycling. I dont’t know if it’s just my experience, but it seems like we still have a long path to go in terms of recycling habits, so I would suggest implementing an effective recycling system.
[Claudia, Norandino – Perù]: I think the easiest thing to do is to reduce the consumption of plastic, which eventually ends up in the oceans. There are many alternatives today to stop using plastic bags, disposable bottles or everything else.
Can you give us an example of how one sustainable action in one country could have a positive direct impact on another one, for example yours?
[Sally, Meru Herbs – Kenya]: Organic Farming (respecting the environment) it has an impact on both responsible production (farming and processing) and consumption – final consumer in another part of the world will be purchasing a product that has been grown organically, packaged with biodegradable packaging and packaging that can also be recycled.
[Anna, Green Net – Thailand]: If an Italian buys Green Net rice, the money will go to support the group of small-scale organic and fair trade rice farmers in Thailand and motivate them to keep practicing organic farming which is good for their health and the environment.
[Claudia, Norandino – Perù]: I think the simplest example is with environmental pollution. Well, if you carry out a sustainable action in your country, whether it is planting trees or changing transportation from car to bicycle, these actions not only generate a positive impact for you or your country, but also in others, since it leads to the reduction of gases of the greenhouse effect that negatively impact the atmosphere of the entire planet.
