Difference Between Sustainable and Green

Within the green living movement, many people use the terms "green" and "sustainable" interchangeably. Although these two concepts are closely related, these words actually have different definitions. A practice can be green without being sustainable, and a practice can be sustainable without necessarily being green.

So what is the difference between green and sustainable? The answer is complex.

Definitions

The concept of sustainability is rooted not just in earth-friendly principles, but in an overall desire to support the long-term well-being of the planet and humanity. If a product or practice is sustainable, it could be continued indefinitely without compromising the overall well-being of the planet. For example, solar energy is more sustainable than fossil fuels, because the world will never "run out" of sunlight.

Although closely related to sustainability initiatives, the green living movement emphasizes general earth-friendly practices, though they may not be sustainable. "Green" practices are any choices that tread lightly on the earth or have a lower impact than conventional options. These may or may not suit the definition of sustainability.

Examples

Several green trends are not necessarily sustainable. For example, utilizing waste products by re-using or up-cycling is very much a green practice. It keeps waste materials out of our landfills and reduces the amount of energy needed to manufacture more products. However, the waste products are not sustainable because they are usually made from non-renewable resources. It is green to, for example, re-use plastic bottles. However, it is not sustainable because plastic itself is not renewable resource.

Similarly, sustainable practices may not always be the greenest. Hydroelectric energy is sustainable because a dam will provide energy for an indefinite period of time. However, it is not green-- dams are responsible for some of the most severe ecological catastrophes of our era.

The difference between sustainable and green is somewhat complicated, but it is important to make your environmental choices with both "green" and "sustainable" definitions in mind. Ideally, aim to make choices that are both earth-friendly and capable of being sustained for generations to come.