What is the difference between being “green” and being “sustainable’?

While many people use the terms “green” and “sustainable” interchangeably, these words do not actually mean the same thing.  While both terms have to do with helping the environment and preserving natural resources, they go about it in different ways.  Here’s is what separates green from sustainable.

  • Green

According to Webster’s Dictionary, green is defined as “concerned with or supporting environmentalism.”  The key to this definition is its vagueness.  While being green means supporting the environmentally-friendly measures, there are no specific guidelines for what makes something green.  Recycling, conserving water, and being more energy efficient are all actions that can be considered green.

  • Sustainable

In contrast to the vagueness that characterizes the definition of green, the term sustainable is very specific.  Webster’s Dictionary defines sustainable as “of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.”  Essentially, for a product or action to be considered sustainable, it cannot use a resource so aggressively that it outpaces the rate at which it is replenished.  For instance, a company that uses bamboo in their products could not be considered sustainable if it cuts down bamboo faster than it can grow it back.

This is the difference between being green and being sustainable.  Are you looking for assistance with your insurance?  If so, then contact the experts at Weaver & Associates in Arcadia, California to get covered today.