Although
Simplicity and Sustainability are closely related, we believe
they are different concepts. Simplicity refers to individual
lifestyle and behavior. Living simply will
contribute to a more sustainable future but that may or may
not be the intent of the simple living practitioner. Sustainability
refers to our ability as a society and a species to sustain
our existence over time.
Simplicity
 First,
let us emphasize, that when we talk about Simplicity or Simple
Living, we’re talking about Voluntary
Simplicity in contrast to “involuntary” simplicity
also known as poverty. Voluntary Simplicity implies a chosen
path, not a forced march. It has been our choice since 1991.
We like the definition of Voluntary Simplicity offered by
author Duane Elgin (Voluntary Simplicity)
in 1981: “A manner of living
that is outwardly more simple and inwardly more rich. To live
more voluntarily is to live more deliberately, intentionally
and purposefully – in short, it is to live more consciously.”
Although most people who simplify their lives end up living
more frugally, Voluntary Simplicity
is NOT about living in poverty or deprivation.
We emphasize this because it is a common misunderstanding.
Elgin says,
“The objective of Voluntary Simplicity is not to
dogmatically live with less, but is the more demanding intention
of living in balance in order to find a life of greater purpose,
fulfillment and satisfaction."
Put
into practice, simple living takes many forms but we would
venture to say that all simple livers strive to focus on values
and meaning rather that stuff and status. They try to determine
what is really important in life and sift out the
rest. It is a road less traveled but one with many rewards
along the way.
 Sustainability
Sustainability
means living well within our own and the earth’s means.
Author Debra Dadd-Redalia (Sustaining
the Earth) puts it this way: “Sustainability
is acting in such a way that life on earth endures on into
the future, providing for the needs of all citizens and creatures
while maintaining the natural functions of resources and beauty
of the planet.” Sustainability
is what Native Americans meant when they thought about the
impact of their behavior seven generations into the future.
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