Principles of Sustainability, Donella H. Meadows

Five Principles of Sustainability have been identified by Donella Meadows.

1. Renewable resources shall not be used faster than they can regenerate.
2. Pollution and wastes shall not be put into the environment faster than the environment can recycle them or render them harmless.
3. Non-renewable resources shall not be used faster than renewable substitutes (used sustainably) can be developed.
   
4. The human population and the physical capital plant have to be kept at levels low enough to allow the first 3 conditions to be met.
5. The previous 4 conditions have to be met through processes that are democratic and equitable enough that people will stand for them.

NOTE: Based upon the work of Herman Daly.

Here are the four parts of a Lecture given by Donella Meadows on Sustainable Systems:

• Part 1

• Part 2

• Part 3

• Part 4