Sustainability's 15 Minutes of Fame

Sustainability is one of those buzz words that we hear all the time now. Whether it is in design, living, or transportation; everyone is on the sustainability band wagon. I mean we even have "sustainable" graduation gowns made of recycled plastic bottles! We are constantly hearing from scientists, politicians, and even celebrities (from the comfort of their private jets) telling us we need to be more sustainable for the good of the environment. However, the discussion we had in class today, regarding the fact that the end of civilization is coming to an inevitable end, got me thinking about sustainability in the long term. Don't get me wrong, I am all for recycling and reducing our carbon footprint, but is sustainability a lost cause? Are we just doing it at this point to make ourselves feel better about helping the environment? 

The way the term sustainability is used now makes it sound like some sort of fad more than a way of design or living. In architecture we are seeing many new buildings popping up that are "sustainable" or LEED certified. When I see these being built, I cannot think to myself that these buildings are being designed to be politically correct or to give the illusion of a healthier building, not necessarily helping the overall issue. Again, are these buildings being designed this way just to make ourselves feel like we are being good Samaritans or do we truly think we are making a difference? 

#sustainability