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Welcome
Welcome to Sustainable Jersey, based in Jersey, Channel Islands. The aim of this site is to provide information, encourage debate and empower everyone on the island to take action to develop a more sustainable lifestyle.
On the site you will find:
- Jersey and worldwide information links
- hundreds of practical things you can do to make a difference
- local examples and contacts for inspiration and support
What is sustainability?
A common definition of sustainable development is "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
The modern lifestyle we have all become accustomed to relies upon perpetual economic growth and a plentiful supply of cheap fossil fuels like oil and gas. There is a growing recognition that neither of these things are sustainable in the long term and that something has to change.
The planet earth's finite resources can cope with the growing demands of its ever increasing population, but only if more sustainable forms of development are found. Economists must learn to subtract and there needs to be heavy investment in alternatives to fossil fuels.
International efforts to effect change, such as the Kyoto agreement, are threatened by powerful Western governments acting in the interests of big business. It appears that if we really want things to change, we are going to have to do a lot of the work ourselves.
Why is it an issue for Jersey?
Sustainable development does not mean a reversal of progress or a return to agrarian self-sufficiency. The island's economy has always been boosted by foreign goods.
The island now imports a considerable amount of its food and energy needs, however, and produces more consumer waste per person than most other countries in the world.
The continued economic growth which Jersey's politicians have identified as the way forward relies on net inward migration and therefore an increasing population. If a reasonable quality of life for everyone is to be maintained, we have to consider how we can better utilise limited resources to meet increasing demand.
What difference can I make?
Images of melting ice caps and disappearing rainforests on the news might leave you feeling powerless to make a difference. There is no way to reverse the damage that has already been done and no matter what we do global temperatures will continue to rise. Nevertheless, there are many things we can do to develop a healthier, more sustainable relationship with our environment and limit the damage so that at least the problem does not get any worse.
As individual consumers, there are many decisions we make every day that collectively can make a big difference. With ever dwindling resources facing increasing demand from a growing population, we all have a responsibility to limit our impact on the environment through more efficient use of these resources.
Here are just a few practical ways in which you can make a difference. You'll find plenty more as you look around the site:
- buy durable products built from natural raw materials that last
- use renewable energy from sources that will not run out, such as solar power
- repair or reuse products wherever possible instead of throwing them away
- compost your organic waste and recycle your newspapers and magazines
- create demand for recycled products such as toilet rolls and printer paper by buying them yourself
- use your power as a consumer to create demand for sustainable, ethical products
- accept that as individuals and groups we can change things for better or for worse
Where do I begin?
The first step is easy - you don't even have to get up out of your chair. Take a good look around the website to find out more about what you can do. Our 'Top Tips for Sustainable Living' are a good place to start.