Browsing by Author "Niemi, Josefiina"

Earth's carrying capacity is limited. The goal of sustainable development is to secure good living conditions for present and future generations. Sustainable development is a continuous, controlled social change in which states and organizations are committed to the principles of sustainable development through agreements and legislation. In addition to public actors, individual consumers, especially households, play an important role in pursuing a more sustainable way of life. Many everyday little choices have an effect on environment. Households are guided to sustainable development by means of legislation and by increasing household knowledge and skills. This study examined the goals of sustainable development from households point of view. What kind of projects were conducted to make everyday life more sustainable. The study investigated who is organising these projects, what are the objectives, and what kind of practical solutions have been found to help reduce the environmental burden on households. The study also analyzed how the values of sustainable development, such as respect for life, ecological integrity, social and economic justice, democracy, nonviolence and peace, were reflected in a report made on the basis of Future Households -project. The projects were organized by public actors and non-governmental organizations. All projects aimed to reduce the environmental impact of household activities. The opportunities to effect to a more ecological way of living are at their highest when choosing the type of accomodation and transportation. Recycling and responsible consumption are also key factors. In particular, the importance of food choices was emphasized in consumer choices. Households were able to reduce the material footprint without affecting their everyday well- being. It is possible to achieve a more ecological way of life with small changes in everyday life. The final report of the Future household -project highlighted the importance of ecological inefficiency, which emphasizes the protection of nature and the importance of sustainable and production and consumption patterns.