Sustainability: The Future of Our Planet

By Veejay C Patell | ASEI Conv2024

A few years ago, the term "sustainability" wasn’t part of everyday discussions, let alone core business strategies. Today, it’s a major focus for individuals and organizations alike, as we strive to define sustainability in ways that guide us toward a more sustainable future.

But what exactly does sustainability mean? At its simplest, sustainability refers to the ability to maintain and preserve our natural environment for future generations. However, with pressing issues such as global warming, climate change, and natural resource depletion, sustainability has become a critical priority for both public and private sectors.

The Evolution of Sustainability

Sustainability is far from a new concept. Early human civilizations lived in harmony with nature, understanding the importance of environmental stewardship. Today, sustainability asks us to rekindle that interconnectedness with our planet’s ecosystems and to evaluate the long-term impact of our actions on the Earth and its resources.

According to the United Nations (UN), sustainability is defined as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." This definition emphasizes the importance of resource conservation, eco-friendly practices, and minimizing waste.

In my view, sustainability is an ongoing act of awareness. It requires us to reduce consumption, minimize waste generation, and focus on preserving the environment at both the individual and organizational levels. Sustainable practices also mean maintaining long-term economic prosperity without sacrificing human health or the natural world. The ultimate goal is to create a positive environmental impact for future generations.

The Science of Sustainability

Understanding the scientific principles behind sustainability is crucial. One key concept is the First Law of Thermodynamics, which states that "energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed." This is highly relevant when considering energy use and emissions in industrial processes. For example, burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), which contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.

An essential balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen exists in natural ecosystems, but human activities such as deforestation and industrialization have disrupted this balance, resulting in increased CO₂ levels. This imbalance is a major driver of global warming and other environmental challenges.

Deforestation and Climate Change

One of the most significant contributors to global warming is deforestation, driven largely by industrial development and population growth. The removal of forests not only releases stored CO₂ but also reduces the planet’s capacity to absorb carbon, exacerbating the effects of climate change.

The Environmental Impact of Plastics

Plastics are among the most harmful products for the environment, particularly those derived from fossil fuels. The production and disposal of plastic contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. As a plastic engineer, I became increasingly aware of the environmental damage caused by non-recyclable materials like Styrofoam, which I introduced to India in 1990. These materials do not decompose and remain in the environment for centuries, leading to long-term pollution.

Shifting Toward Renewable Biopolymers

This realization led me to explore renewable alternatives, specifically biopolymers — sustainable materials made from renewable resources such as plants. Unlike traditional plastics, biopolymers are compostable, reducing both waste and the carbon footprint associated with single-use plastics.

At beyondGREEN, our mission is to eliminate conventional plastic use by developing compostable packaging solutions. Our innovations in biopolymer technology help reduce humanity’s environmental impact while supporting the fight against plastic pollution. By adopting compostable materials, we aim to contribute to a sustainable future that prioritizes environmental health and economic growth.

Conclusion: The Urgency of Going Green

Sustainability is not just a trend — it’s a necessity for the health of our planet. Individuals and organizations alike must take action to minimize their environmental impact. At beyondGREEN, we are leading the way by offering eco-friendly, compostable packaging solutions to reduce global plastic waste and create a greener future.

We invite you to join us on this journey. Let’s make the world a better place by choosing sustainable options. Let’s go beyondGREEN!