Why is Sustainability Important?
The world’s natural resources support all life and are the basis of all production that supports our global and local economy. Global environmental trends indicate the degradation of air and land, water scarcity, deforestation, marine pollution and a decline in biodiversity. Continued consumption of natural resources are inherently unsustainable.
To change these complex and multifaceted trends requires a sustainable approach. Sustainability practices inherently explore solutions that resolve complex problems from a variety of angles. After all, it explores impacts that address people, planet and profit collectively.
New Jersey Takes Steps Towards a Sustainable Future
In New Jersey, environmental sustainable solutions are based around the following areas:
- Energy Conservation
- Water Conservation
- Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling
- Pollution Prevention
- Natural Resources Conservation and Management
To learn more, visit these Related DEP Program pages that highlight efforts that support sustainability.
Here are some examples of what New Jersey and its communities are doing to achieve a sustainable future.
 |
 |
Energy: Solar panels at Mercer Community College provide renewable energy.
Source: Clean Technica.com
|
Natural Resources: Norvin Green State Forest, where acres of hardwood forest are preserved. Source: Blogspot.com |
 |
 |
Waste: Some schools in NJ use sorting systems to help students dispose correctly.
Source: Stopwaste.org |
Natural Resources: A beach cleanup is held on a beach in Hoboken. Beach cleanups reduce pollution. Source: Hobokennj.org |
To learn more about what NJ municipalities, businesses and schools are doing to reduce their impact visit our Sustainability Case Studies
