There’s been a lot of talk lately about sustainability. For many people, the word is associated with our environment and practices we can follow to make sure the planet sticks around a few more hundred billion years. Others use the word in connection with business and politics, as a way of describing long-term goals and objectives. And still others define sustainability by its root word, sustain, which is to support, uphold, or bear. With all these possible definitions, it’s sometimes difficult to know what people actually mean when they talk about sustainability - and sometimes even harder to identify how it affects our own lives.

Despite our personal beliefs about the environment or the current political landscape, we’re beyond the point where words like sustainability are merely jargon thrown about by activists and attorneys. If you take a good look around, you’ll find that in addition to debates over climate change legislation and protests against oil drilling, there are millions of people for whom the concept of sustainability has become a way of life. Huge corporations are examining ways to reduce their energy consumption. Small towns are developing programs to keep money and businesses within the local communities. Schoolchildren are learning the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling. And families hit hard by the current economic crisis are turning to tried-and-true methods of good old fashioned resourcefulness to get them through the tough times.

All of this qualifies as sustainability. And perhaps the best thing about it is that the motives behind these actions are as varied as the word’s definition. Those big corporations are most likely looking to reduce spending. Small towns want to remain viable for their residents. Some will use sustainability to make money, others to prove a point or uphold a belief. It’s a crazy mix, but isn’t it great?

The attention sustainability has received in recent months has really forced me to think about what it means for me personally, and how I can incorporate it into my own life. I’m enamored with the idea of sustainability for many reasons, but mostly because I love the idea of self-reliance and the independence it provides. I like being able to choose what to purchase, what to eat, and how to behave based on how it aligns with my personal beliefs. And I like doing my part in contributing to a healthier, happier community.

Sustainability begins with self. I know a lot of people who are caught up in the environmental cause who find great pleasure in criticizing people who drive the “wrong” type of vehicle or buy non-organic milk. And if you don’t always agree politically, look out. It’s this type of behavior that does more damage to the cause than anything else. Once it becomes hostile, fewer people are willing to get involved and significant, widespread change doesn’t stand a chance.

The best option is to lead by example. Our own efforts, no matter how small, do make a difference, and it’s easier for others to jump on board when they can witness the benefits that sustainability provides. These efforts can include starting a family recycling project, planting a garden to grow your own food, reducing your home’s energy use, planting trees, buying locally, and on and on.

The options are endless, but don’t feel that you have to tackle everything at once. Sometimes it takes awhile before an action evolves into a full-blown habit. At my house, the first project was recycling aluminum cans. We keep a separate trash can for soda and beer cans, which we then give to my dad who redeems them at his local recycling center. My next goal is to install a backyard clothesline so I don’t have to rely on my electric dryer in the warm spring and summer months. This will not only save energy, but a significant portion of my electric bill as well. We also planted a vegetable garden and plan to can a good portion of the harvest, which will supply us with yummy, nutritious food well into the winter.

Sustainability doesn’t have to be rooted in political rhetoric, nor does it have to require outrageous effort. Taking small steps to help ensure the planet will remain healthy enough to support future generations is responsible and fulfilling … and just might lead to a happier, healthier life.