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Basic Information
Sustainable development marries two important themes: that environmental protection does not preclude economic development and that economic development must be ecologically viable now and in the long run. Common use of the term "sustainability" began with the 1987 publication of the World Commission on Environment and Development report, Our Common Future. Also known as the Brundtland Report, this document defined sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." This concept of sustainability encompasses ideas, aspirations and values that continue to inspire public and private organizations to become better stewards of the environment and that promote positive economic growth and social objectives. The principles of sustainability can stimulate technological innovation, advance competitiveness, and improve our quality of life.
A combination of forces-including unprecedented growth in population, economy, urbanization, and energy use-is imposing new stresses on the earth's resources and society's ability to maintain or improve environmental quality. Meeting these new challenges, EPA research, policies, and programs are evolving from an emphasis on pollution control to pollution prevention to sustainable practices. EPA recognizes that every day hundreds of decisions are made that affect our quality of life and that of future generations. Collectively these decisions determine how sustainable our future will be. Dozens of EPA programs, policy tools, and incentives assist governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to be good stewards of the environment, make sustainable choices, and manage resources effectively.
One-Stop Access to Sustainability-Related Programs
The goal of achieving sustainable outcomes is embedded in a myriad of EPA programs. This Web site provides easy access to many of these programs, arranged in the categories of the Built Environment; Water, Ecosystems and Agriculture; Energy and the Environment; and Materials and Toxics.
Advancing Stewardship and Sustainability
EPA recognizes that we are all stewards of the environment. The agency's 2005 report, Everyday Choices (PDF) (25 pp, 929K), provides recommendations how all sectors of society can be active stewards of the environment and achieve sustainable outcomes.
Promoting Science
Advances in scientific understanding and technology development are crucial elements of sound environmental policy, management, and regulations. EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) provides the scientific and technical support to EPA program and regional offices and to states and local governments. Through external grants and in-house research, ORD is working to develop knowledge, decision tools, and new technologies that can lead to long-term environmental solutions. ORD's Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program aims to attract the country's best scientists to focus on the most important environmental science issues facing our nation and the world. ORD has been developing a new Sustainability Research Strategy to help guide future research.
Advancing Technology
To promote the adoption of new technologies for sustainability by small businesses and other organizations, EPA sets aside 2.5 percent of its external research budget for contracts to small businesses to develop and commercialize new environmental technologies. Some exciting commercial projects based on green technology have emerged from Small Business Innovation grants from EPA's National Center for Environmental Research (NCER).
EPA's internal Environmental Technology Council promotes the application of innovative technological solutions to environmental problems and challenges. A 2006 report from EPA's external National Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) outlines new opportunities for EPA to promote and advance new technologies. EPA is also supporting research in nanotechnology while evaluating its regulatory responsibility to protect the environment and human health.
Measuring Progress toward Environmental Sustainability
EPA's science is critical for assessing current and future stresses on the environment and human health, developing new technologies, and understanding the environment as an integrated system. The agency's science programs help decision-makers achieve sustainable outcomes. EPA's Report on the Environment is a compendium of scientifically based indicators that measure current environmental conditions. Futures analysis supports EPA's development of long-range strategic approaches to preserve and secure a sustainable environment. And with the cooperation of the Foresight and Governance Project 
of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, EPA will continue to explore emerging trends and find better ways to effectively address current and future environmental problems.
Taking care of our environment for ourselves and future generations is a responsibility for all of us. Here are some EPA sites with suggestions and tips on how you can contribute to sustainability in your roles as a consumer and citizen-and as a steward of the environment:
Concerned Citizens Resources
Become familiar with environmental issues and potential environmental and human health risks caused by pollution. Learn how you, your family, and your community can protect the environment.
Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste
The Cat's Out of the Bag! This site describes how people can help solve the growing problem of ... garbage!
Drive Wise
Driving releases harmful chemicals into the air. When, where, how, why and what we drive all affect air pollution. Follow these suggestions to be more environmentally friendly when you need to get somewhere.
Energy Star
"Ask for the Energy Star!" Certified products in more than 40 categories use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment.
EPA's Green Vehicle Guide
Use this guide to choose the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs.
Fifteen Things You Can Do to Make a Difference in Your Watershed
How you can learn about, become active in, and help increase public awareness of your watershed.
Green Communities
The Green Communities Assistance Kit is a 5-step process that can help communities achieve their economic, social and environmental goals in a comprehensive way.
Green Meetings
This site provides information that can assist you to plan your meetings with minimal negative impacts on the environment.
Greenacres
This site provides descriptions and links to several resources on green landscaping.
Healthy Lawn, Healthy Environment (PDF) (19pp, 5.37MB, About PDF)
You can print out this 19-page brochure on caring for your lawn in an environmentally friendly way.
How to Conserve Water and Use It Effectively
This site describes sustainable practices for residential water users, including plumbing, landscaping, and behavioral practices.
"Pollution Prevention" Tips
How consumers can help to prevent pollution in their communities.
Producing Less Waste by Practicing the 3 Rs
Reduce the amount and toxicity of trash you discard. Reuse containers and products, including repairing what is broken or giving it to someone who can repair it. Recycle as much as possible, including buying products with recycled content.
Steps You Can Take to Reduce Air Pollution
Five steps for your home, five steps for your car.
Students and Sustainability
This page is designed for teachers who wish to introduce the concepts of sustainability into their classrooms and for students who need assistance and guidance in their sustainable research projects.
Sustainable Landscaping (PDF) (62 pp, 8.12MB, About PDF)
A slide presentation on the "hidden impacts of gardening."
Take Action at Work
Actions you can take at work: reducing energy use; reducing, reusing, and recycling office products; using water more efficiently; and getting your firm recognized for doing more for the environment.
Things You Can Do
Links to sites with information that individuals can use at home or work to protect the environment and themselves, including realistic "how to" and "what to" lists concerning water and other environmental topics.
What You Can Do to Clean the Air
Children are at greater risk from air pollution because their lungs are still developing and they are more active outdoors. The elderly are also especially vulnerable because they often have heart or lung disease.
What You Can Do to Prevent Urban Stormwater Pollution
Bulleted lists on this site suggest how individuals and organizations can help prevent urban stormwater and other kinds of non-point source pollution.
Where Can I Donate or Recycle My Old Computer and Other Electronic Products?
This site provides links to information about donation and recycling programs for computers, cell phones, and other electronic products.