The reality of consumerism

Netimpacct.org informs us that 20% of the world’s population uses up to 80% of Earth’s non-renewable resources. Across the globe, goods are mass-produced at a speed that does not allow for nature to recover. As a resolution to this matter, humanity has introduced the idea of “Sustainable Living.”

Defining sustainability

The United Nations helps us understand that sustainable living is simply, “living within the limits of the planet in a just, equitable, and prosperous way, whilst protecting the natural systems that our lives depend on.” While individual habits like recycling help make a change, true sustainability goes deeper. It is living within our planet’s limits, preserving ecosystems, and building a healthier future. For a nation like Sri Lanka–facing intense climate vulnerability, rising energy cost, and numerous resource constraints, sustainable living becomes a priority. 

Working beyond our limitations

When you think of a sustainable lifestyle, oftentimes it would be about short-term habits such as reducing paper or plastic consumption. While these types of habits build a level of awareness and change, systemic change commences through the spaces we inhabit. Just 10 years ago “infrastructure systems alone have direct influence on more than 90% of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions” (unops.org).  By shifting toward sustainable infrastructure with smart designs that use eco-friendly materials, and renewable energy sources, global emissions can be drastically reduced. 

Sri Lanka offers a unique opportunity due to its historic traditions as well as the nation’s way of life. Rather than reusing high-cost model designs, utilizing concepts such as passive cooling, native building materials, and climate adaptive architecture allows the nation to thrive whilst preserving the rich cultural heritage . Further, we are able to address the island’s vulnerability to climate change, rising electrical tariffs, and macroeconomic resource constraints, improving the island’s livelihood.