The complex reality of our 'sustainable' choices

What comes to mind when you think of sustainability? Contrary to popular belief, sustainability is not just about hugging trees, sorting recyclables, or sipping from paper straws. It is far deeper, and far bigger than that.

- By LEN AMADORA

Believe it or not, sustainability is more than a practice; it is a mindset and a commitment. It is about meeting our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. At its heart, sustainability means making wise choices today to avoid creating challenges that could harm tomorrow, because what we do now leaves a lasting impact on the future.

Sustainability is a widely used word, but sadly, one that is often misunderstood. Not because people don’t care; but because the concept is either abstract or oversimplified.

Take our fashion choices, for example. Many of us assume that donating clothes means they’ll be reused. But the truth is, not all donated garments get a second life. In fact, a large portion of fast fashion clothes end up in landfills; even when donated.