Sustainable development

Definition and issues

According to a definition proposed in 1987 by the worldwide Commission on the Environment and Development in the Brundtland Report, « Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs ».

The objective of sustainable development is to conciliate the three economic, social and environmental facets of human activities. It must allow the emerging of a new viable economy more respectful of human beings and the planet.
« On the long term, further development will not be feasible if it is not economically efficient, socially fair-minded, and ecologically tolerable ». www.ecologie.gouv.fr

The emergence of problems such as high-rising natural resources consumptions, a world population estimated at 9 billion in 2050, global warming…, give reason to a new approach to our consumption and lifestyle.

To be sustainable in our everyday life is to review how we consume, our responsibility as citizens, and our potential power as consum’actors.

Alternatives already exist leading us to this new economy representing a real progress: that of consuming not less, but better whilst enjoying it possibly even more!

Planete Durable will be the meeting place of the 3 fundamentals in sustainable development: environment, social and economic.

Some numbers…

• 22% rise of ethical products sales between 2007 and 2008 (certification Max Haavelar)
• 25 % progression of organic food products sales in 2008 (vs 3,6% for global food markets in 2007) (source Agence BIO juin 2009)
• Increase of 300% for the French solar photovoltaics market between 2007 and 2008 (source ENERPLAN)
• Increase of 200 % in sales of European eco-labeled products between 2006 and 2007(source AFNOR)
• Une augmentation de 30 % des ventes de cosmétiques bio en 2008 (source Organic Monitor report)
• The ethical investments funds went from 5,2 billion € in 2004 to 29 billion € in June 2009 (and more 43% for the 6 first months of the year) (source Novethic)
• 64 % of the French claim to be ready to buy a more expensive product if this product is respectful of the environment (CLCV- MV2 nov 09)
• With a same price, 94 % of the French prefer to choose “green” products (Quintess, nov 09)
• 50 % of the French buy regularly eco-labeled products (CLCV – MV2 nov 09)
• 85% of the French believe organic & green products are not just a fashionable development / 60% say they represent a real progress in the society (source LH2/Mouvement Vraiment Durable avril 2008)