allsustaining

Allsustaining refers to a holistic approach to sustainability that emphasizes the integration of environmental, social, and economic dimensions within individual actions, community practices, and organizational strategies. The term emerged in the early 2020s as a response to the fragmented nature of sustainability discourse, which often prioritizes single aspects such as carbon footprint or social justice in isolation. By using “allsustaining,” speakers and writers signal a commitment to consider all relevant impacts simultaneously, acknowledging that actions in one area can have rippling effects across the others.

In practice, allsustaining manifests through interdisciplinary frameworks that assess trade‑offs and synergies among environmental health, human wellbeing, and financial viability. For example, a city might adopt an allsustaining policy for its transport network that evaluates air quality improvements, public health outcomes, and economic costs of biking infrastructure. At the corporate level, allsustaining can guide product development, encouraging suppliers to adopt renewable materials, reduce waste, and ensure fair labor practices, all while maintaining competitive pricing.

Academic literature on allsustaining remains sparse, but case studies from Nordic municipalities, Japanese urban planners, and U.S. nonprofit organizations illustrate its growing influence. Critics argue that the term risks becoming a buzzword if not supported by concrete metrics and long‑term monitoring. Proponents counter that its inclusive framing helps mobilize diverse stakeholders and fosters collaborative problem‑solving.

Related concepts include institutional sustainability, circular economy, and triple bottom line accounting. Although still evolving, allsustaining seeks to bridge gaps between policy, business, and everyday behavior, promoting a more coherent and resilient path toward long‑term planetary health.