Sustainable is a way of being. It describes a balance between the source of resources, required to accomplish all endeavors and the entities utilizing those resources. The principles of sustainability can be employed to create balanced systems that meet the current needs of people, without compromising the viability of the Earth to provide for future generations' needs and endeavors. These sustainable systems are modified to viably respond to human's current dynamic needs while maintaining long-term focus on the planetary effects of the practices.
At the core of sustainability is respect. This respect extends from the planet, which provides everything to respect for generations to come. Within the sustainable system, emphasis is on implementing human systems in ways, which cause little or no damage to the eco-balance. With this thinking, humans can thrive with the planet, instead of at her expense.
Perhaps we cannot raise the winds
But each of us can put up the sail
So that when the wind comes
We can catch it
E.F. Schumacher