Blog Post Assignment 2/23/09

What does it mean to live sustainably?

To live sustainably means to live for a long, on going period of time. That would mean that a civilization that is sustainable must have some sort of discipline among the people. This type of discipline would come from a type of government. Although a society might be sustainable, it does not mean that they have to be perfect. For example, China is a communistic nation that has lived on for many years. Although China is corrupt and has sweatshops and other horrible things flowing through their country, they are still living sustainably. We can track China all the way from 50,000 BC till Today. They are definitely an example of a sustainable country that is far from being a Utopia. An example of a civilization that was not sustainable is Eastern Island (The Rapanui). Their civilization fell and is no longer around today. They most fell because of their lack of Government and their technology.


How much freedom and independence do you have as a 14-16 year old in our society?

In the United States, we have a lot more freedom than most people in other countries. That is because we have human rights that are respected in our society. But just comparing ourselves as an American to our society, we don't have as much independence as our elders. For example, if our parents are at a job that they loath, they can decide to quit. As for us, if we go to a school that we don't like it's not that easy to say "I quit" or "I need to switch schools". The decision is mainly based on the adult. As 14-16 year olds, we are controlled by the adults. Most teenagers don't feel they have enough freedom because their parents don't allow them to be who they want to be. It seems the Bill of Rights only effects us when we turn 18.

As a 14-16 year old, how can you currently live your life more sustainably?

Well if a civilization lives sustainably by living for a long period of time, adolecents can live sustainably by setting future goals. With that comes that famous line "Live your life the best you can". So all we have to do is be the best we can be and do whatever we can to live on. That is how everyone should live to be sustinable.