Based on research presented in a recent article by Scientific American, the answer is a resounding YES  for  the term “Green” , and in an even worse state: the phrase “going green” – they have lost any clear meaning beyond a vague sense of environmental virtue. 

“Sustainable”, on the other hand, remains clearly defined.

The modern use of “sustainable” and the resultant sustainability movement was entered our lexicon in 1987 with the publication of Our Common Future by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (also known as the Brundtland commission report). The meaning remains unchanged today.

The Brundtland commission report defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Or, as Scientific American astutely summarizes into the words of countless kindergarten teachers, “Don’t take more than your share.”

It is important to note that sustainability is not just about the environment but also economics, social equity, and human rights. In the Brundtland report, this was reflected through a focus on finding ways for poor countries catch up to richer countries in terms of standard of living.

As a result, “sustainable” is not a synonym for “green”. Although there is a fair amount of overlap between the two terms, “green” is typically used to suggests a preference for the natural over the artificial.  To help clarify the difference between the two terms, consider the many positive solutions to protecting and bettering our world that rely on technological developments i.e. wind turbines, solar cells, electric cars. Many can hardly be called “green” as they are certainly not naturally occuring, but can easily be recognized as “sustainable”.

Now that we know what we’re saying when we use these words, set aside a few minutes to read Scientific American’s article, Top 10 Myths About Sustainability, including discussion of cost, technology, population, how to best drive systemic change, and more.