WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?
The practice of sustainability is about creating new ways to live and prosper while ensuring an equitable, healthy future for all people and the planet.

The Natural Step takes an upstream approach to sustainability and addresses problems at the source. We begin by understanding the broader system within which problems occur and develop effective, durable solutions to the environmental and social issues of the new century.

OPENING THE WALLS OF THE FUNNEL
Metaphorically, the current situation for people on the Earth can be viewed as a funnel where the walls are nearing intersection and there is diminishing room to maneuver.

Our situation is caused by the fact that mechanisms that provide essential life-supporting resources for society's continued existence on the planet, such as clean air, clean water and productive topsoil, are in decline. At the same time, society's demand for these resources is increasing.

With the awareness that we all live in this funnel, individuals, businesses, governments, families, schools, etc., we have the opportunity to change the impacts we are having and be more strategic when making choices and long-term plans. At The Natural Step we believe that through innovation, creativity and the unlimited potential for change we can catalyze the shift toward sustainability and begin to open up the walls of the funnel.

THE NATURAL STEP'S PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
The Natural Step's definition of sustainability includes four scientific principles that lead to a sustainable society. These principles, also known as "conditions" that must be met in order to have a sustainable society, are as follows:

The principles provide a practical set of design criteria used to direct social, environmental and economic actions and to transform debate into constructive discussion.