Sustainability is a set of values that relate to concurrently tending to and respecting the people and the ecosystem they are a part of. One of the primary goals of sustainability therefore, is to achieve human and ecosystem well-being together.
Why pay attention to sustainability? Over the past decade, our environmental culture, consciousness and consciences have all changed dramatically. More of us are beginning to realize that the eco-environment in which we and our businesses reside is a finite one and anything that we do to impact it will have consequence on all its members.
In the state of Oregon, small businesses represent a large proportion of the economy. It is fair to conclude that small businesses carry a large proportion of the responsibility for looking out for the environment. Therefore, on all levels, the finger points at us as small businesses to do our part.
To conduct our business on a day-to-day basis without providing for sustainability is a crime and should be punishable by banishment to California.