Definition
In very general terms, sustainability is the science behind creating or modifying a system so that it can operate indefinitely without running out of resources, without degrading the environment, and without having a negative impact on society.
A broad view of sustainability connects the three domains of economics, culture, and environment. If any of these three areas fall behind, the others will be impacted and the system will become unsustainable.
Why is it important?:
Without proper protocol being followed, pesticides can runoff into soil/groundwater deposits and cause damage to workers’ health, native wildlife, and beneficial bug populations such as bees and butterflies.
Since the mid-1900s, soil degradation and erosion caused by farming has resulted in an estimated loss of 1/3 of the world’s farmable land.
Agriculture uses 70% of the world’s accessible fresh water, and it produces 10-12% of the world’s human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.