Philosophical Considerations of Sustainability

Abstract

An attempt at a synthesis of the varied definitions of sustainability is given. This involves the full utilization of the waste stream: mining, agricultural, industrial, municipal & sewage sludge. Various waste recycling & reuse “loops” are compiled to show how waste can be used in both agricultural & industrial societies that prioritize sustainability. The choice of waste use between recycling, composting, gasification, pig food, biochar, no till of crop residues & fermentation are not easy decisions. Some uses of waste are considered here but there is no one overriding method that can be applied universally.