Sustainability seems to have become a feel-good buzzword. I hear it used in conjunction with new building developments, farming, cooking, cafes, manufacturing and urban planning. There’s also much chatter on the news and the Internet about sustainability, and everyone seems to have their own definition. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get confused. What, exactly, is sustainability?

I surveyed a few readers and their responses included “low impact,” “occurring naturally on my planet,” and “efficient, with little or no waste.” Wikipedia defines sustainability as the “capacity to endure” and NASA notes that, “Achieving sustainability will enable the Earth to continue supporting human life as we know it.” According to the Environmental Protection Agency, sustainability is based on the principle that everything we need for our survival and well-being depends directly or indirectly on our natural environment. Sustainable development, as defined by the United Nations, includes fighting poverty, advancing social inclusion (including the status of women) and protecting the environment. This month’s feature article, “Shaping the Future We Want,” on page 26, is about the broader global view of sustainability, stemming from this year’s United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

Last week I received a few calls asking, “Did you hear what they said on the news last night? Organic food is not proven to be more nutritional, it just has fewer pesticides.” Well, isn’t that the whole point behind organic food? I personally think that organically grown food needs to be the standard, with labeling saved for the harmful kinds of growing processes (GMO grown, pesticides added, chemically treated). October is Non-GMO Month, so we asked Melissa Diane Smith, director of education for the GMO Free Project of Tucson, to share with us on this topic generally and also specifically about the Tucson group’s efforts. I encourage you to check into the Non-GMO Pure Food Dinner program and one of the screenings this month of the new film, Genetic Roulette.

Learn the facts, become well educated and get involved, because it really is about people worldwide sustaining a healthy planet. You can start in your own backyard and move out from there. Venture into your communities and connect with others, for there is powerful energy when we strive for change together.

Be the change you want to see…for everyone’s future,