I know what sustainable means to me, and different ways to live sustainably in my practical, day-to-day life. I also know I need to affect changes on a societal level, but with issues so big, I haven’t quite figured out where to start.

I recently read an article written by Linda Buzzell-Saltzman about the 17 Sectors of Sustainable Society. She lists and defines the different sectors, and also presents the issues by suggesting very doable solutions. Now instead of being confronted by one huge, impossible problem, I see smaller areas where I can use my passions and creativity to implement some great solutions. This is really empowering!

The 17 Sectors of Sustainable Society are:

  1. Environment/Habitat
2. Food
3. Water
4. Air
5. Shelter
6. Clothing and textiles
7. Commerce and trade
8. Travel and Transport
9. Security
10. Science and technology
11. Energy
12. Family, community, and society
13. Health care
14. Dependent care (children, the elderly and companion animals)
15. Education
16. Arts, entertainment and communication
17. Spirit, psyche, and culture
 
If you could do anything to change the world, where would you begin?  

Image: Kate_A