What is Meant by One Planet Living and How to Apply It?

The Earth is reeking due to human recklessness. But it is now necessary to ponder the present situation. Timely and meticulous management of available resources on the planet can save all of us from a disastrous future. The question remains: How can we renew Earth to make it a habitable and healthier planet to thrive on? 

It is possible through the shared vision of One Planet Living. But again, the question arises: What is meant by One Planet Living? Is it applicable to gaining a sustainable environment?

What is Meant By One Planet Living? - Made Simple

One Planet Living is a project created by Bioregional and the World Wide Fund, with the mission of a safe and healthier planet not only for the present but also for future generations. The main reason this global movement thrives is the imbalance created between limited resources and the increasing demands of human beings.

So what is meant by One Planet Living? Simply put, this is an umbrella term for all the activities that communities, companies, towns, cities, and individuals will do to protect the environment. From waste management to cutting carbon emissaries, One Planet Living creates a framework so people can enjoy healthy and happy lives using the available resources. Apart from that, human beings should also leave room for the animals.

BedZED Eco-Village Stands as an Example

The BedZED eco-village of Sutton, South London, was the first example in 2002 to implement the One Planet Living framework. It created a model answer for everyone who had the question in mind—what is meant by One Planet Living? BedZED eco-village is a model of sustainable new housing that continues to attract people. Therefore, it is evident that the new pathway is not leading to a compromise but a better alternative.

Ten Principles of One Planet Living

After knowing in brief what is meant by One Planet Living, we ought to know the ten principles, which are:

1. Health and happiness: The key to health and well-being is by leading active, social, and meaningful lives.
2. Equity and local economy: Safe and equitable places are needed to live and work. This would support local prosperity and international fair trade.
3. Culture and community: Empowering communities to foster their local identity would eventually lead to a culture of sustainable living.
4. Land and nature: Restoration and protection of land is essential.
5. Sustainable water: Water is an essential resource that should be used wisely. 
6. Local and sustainable food: Maintaining sustainable farming and healthy diets is essential.
7. Travel and transport: Walking and cycling should be encouraged to promote low carbon emissions.
8. Materials and products: Materials from sustainable resources should be used, and products that help people reduce consumption should be encouraged.
9. Zero waste: Reduce, reuse, and recycle are the keys to achieving zero waste and zero pollution.
10. Zero carbon energy: Manufacturing energy-efficient products is essential.

The principles of One Planet Living are framed considering the practical solutions available to optimally utilize limited resources. 

Implementation of One Planet Living

One Planet Living can be implemented at the individual level by developers, house builders, and businesses, as well as at the community level by local authorities, in schools, and in tourist spots. To implement the One Planet Living Action project, one first needs to have a clear idea about what is meant by One Planet Living. Then, the following approaches should be taken:

1. One needs to approach the key stakeholders.
2. Keeping in mind the ten principles of One Planet Living, one needs to chalk out an action plan and publish it on the concerned website.
3. One can go the extra mile in the One Planet Living project by embedding the plan into the daily operations and projects.
4. Monitoring the plan is essential to have an overview of the intended goals and the achievements of the same.
5. One should regularly publish progress reports to ensure transparency and commitment towards One Planet Living. 
6. Promoting one’s plan and action towards sustainable development is essential to encourage others to join hands. 

Why Should We Use One Planet Living?

Keeping in mind the dilapidated condition of Mother Earth, one should come together in the shared vision of One Planet Living. Though many other frameworks promise a sustainable future, One Planet Living is simple and more effective because of several reasons:

1. It is a practical solution that people can implement in practice, not merely an act that remains applicable in theory.
2. The principles of One Planet Living have a holistic approach.
3. What One Planet Living preaches puts into practice; therefore, no misinformation is provided.
4. The decentralization approach enables people to feel an affinity for the project. Therefore, their slogan is, “Think global, act local.”
5. It does not require technical knowledge, as it is a framework where people need to think contextually. 

Future of One Planet Living: Its Goals and Challenges

The framework of One Planet Living promises a bright future but is also fraught with challenges. One Planet Living receives grant funding, and there is increasing awareness about it. After Covid 19, the in-person workshops moved to online mode, which garnered a larger audience. The sister branch of One Planet Living, One Planet Digital, is an online forum where people can share their action plans.

The challenges of One Planet Living remain insidious. Though it calls the individuals for action, ultimately, teamwork is essential to make the project successful. Municipalities of all places (according to 2022) still need to update their work with the organizations.

Conclusion

After learning the reasons and ways to implement the One Planet Living project, it is easier to answer the question that is pondered in the mind: What is meant by One Planet Living? One Planet Living is not simply a project but the staircase to lead us to a sustainable environment, which encompasses all three aspects together—social, environmental, and economic. This flexible framework should enable a global movement towards a pollution-free, happy planet. 

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