One Planet Living

Overall we are consuming natural resources at a rate 30% greater than they can be regenerated by the planet.  Different countries are consuming at very different rates. If everyone in the World lived like an average European, we would need 3 planets to live on.

If everyone in the World lived like an average North American, we would need 5 planets to live on.

What we need is one planet living – happy and comfortable living within the limits of the World’s resources.

Two environmental organisations, BioRegional and WWF, have developed 10 sustainability principles that can be used as a framework to help the World move towards one planet living. The principles are being used to develop real-life projects around the world in Abu Dhabi, California, Brighton, London Portugal, China and South Africa. You can use them to create your own personal sustainability action plan too, for your office, home or for a project:

1. Zero Carbon
   Save energy and reduce CO₂ emissions from heating, cooling and powering your building.
2. Zero Waste
   Reduce your waste and save money by recycling, reusing and repairing
3. Sustainable Transport
   Choose sustainable alternatives to private car use, and reduce your need to travel.
4. Local and Sustainable Materials
   Select products made of low impact materials and locally-manufactured products.
5. Local and Sustainable Food
   Go for local, seasonal and organic food and grow some of your own.
6. Sustainable Water
   Save water through more efficient appliances and by collecting rainwater.
7. Natural Habitats and Wildlife
   Conserve nature and protect wildlife both in your garden and around the world
8. Culture and Heritage
   Get involved in your local community and find out about local history.
   
9. Equity and Fair Trade
   Support your local economy and help to ensure producers are paid fairly.
10. Health and Happiness
    A one planet living plan should improve your well-being and help you to lead a healthy lifestyle.

To find out more about One Planet Living projects visit www.bioregional.com/oneplanetliving

To create your own sustainability action plan based on the 10 one planet living principles for your office, home or project, visit the What you can do page.

(Source: BioRegional)

The Beddington Zero Energy Development, or BedZED, London, UK