Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development is a broad concept, originating only in the past couple of decades because of increased environmental awareness regarding the need for development throughout the world. There are numerous definitions for sustainable development; however, they generally embody the same ideal. Sustainable development is development that can be sustained over time. To achieve this the methods of development need to consider not only the needs of the existing population but also the potential for those needs to change for future generations. In taking into account that future populations may have different needs sustainable development will not hinder future developments. (Brundtland, 1987) Furthermore, the idea can be broken down into three categories encompassing environmental, social, and economic concerns. The balance of these creates sustainable development (Adams, 2006).

The social and economic inequities left over from apartheid left Monwabisi Park and other informal settlements largely disorganized and undeveloped. The combination of disorganized and undeveloped communities and their desire to maintain their rich culture make sustainable development the most viable option for communities like Monwabisi Park. The impoverished community needs to develop and grow to alleviate economic and social hardships. Often redevelopment especially for poorer communities can have a lack of consideration for cultural and social values, or even the environment. Thus, the challenge with sustainable development is implementing a program that can achieve an appropriate balance.
Our tasks of researching the local environment and the community’s interaction with it will provide structure and guidance in maintaining a healthy relationship with the environment while the redevelopment process takes place. Additionally the creation of a gardening program could possibly reduce some financial stresses of the residents as well as strengthen the community socially.

Sustainable Gardening

Sustainable gardening is gardening that uses creative and all natural techniques to create a garden that does not negatively affect the environment. For instance runoff synthetic fertilizers can be a major source of water pollution: thus sustainable gardeners opt to use organic fertilizers and composting techniques nourishing their plants all naturally. Sustainable gardening also recognizes the importance and conservation of water. Techniques like drip irrigation, homemade mulches and aqua-traps can maximize the effectiveness of limited amounts of water in a garden.(Harris) Pesticides kill both harmful and beneficial insects and create plant life that can develop dependencies on pesticides. Instead sustainable gardening advocates alternative non-harmful pesticides like beer and ammonia, there are even specific plants that can be planted to attract the beneficial insects to a garden(recycleworks.org).

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