sustainably

Sustainably is an adverb used to describe actions that are performed in a sustainable manner. It is derived from sustainable, which refers to meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. In policy, business, and everyday life, acting sustainably means considering environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability—often described as the three pillars of sustainability—though the balance among them varies by context.

Common uses include energy generation from renewables, conserving water and soil, reducing waste, and designing processes for reuse and recycling. In practice, sustainably implies reducing resource intensity, avoiding irreversible damage to ecosystems, and maintaining the resilience of communities and economies over time.

Assessing sustainability often involves metrics like emissions, resource use, waste generation, and life cycle assessment. Global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals provide objectives and indicators. Critics note challenges in comparing projects, regional differences, and the risk of greenwashing when promises are not backed by measurable outcomes.