sustainability(sus•tain'a•bil'i•ty)adj. - The standard definition of sustainability is meeting today's needs without compromising the ability to meet tomorrow's. This is probably true, but it is extremely weak, as it it quite obvious that the ecosystems we rely upon are already severely damaged, and that we need real ecological healing if we are to meet the needs of future generations. Maybe the definition could be Sustainability is the ability to heal ecosystems while meeting today's needs so that we do not endanger the future of the planet or the ability of future generations to make a living. Economic activity that does not contribute to the healing of ecosystems is not sustainable no matter how profitable it is.

Sustainability is really a process, a way of making sure that everyone is a part of the discussion, a method of inclusion, but it is also a process with an edge. In the 21st century, being sustainable means not only not depleting resources, but improving their health each year so the poor can make a living. Given the intimate connection between depleting the Earth's capital and creating an ever widening gap between rich and poor it will not be sustainable if it helps widen the gap, so that while we all need to be at the table, there are also some core principles.

In the city it might mean that future job creation is promoted by there being fewer cars, a completely non polluting mass transit system, growing most of the food for a city within 15 miles of its borders, and really clean rivers. It probably means an economy focused on producing the things the people of a neighborhood need in the neighborhood, reusing and recycling everything, and not relying on transporting staple goods around the world. It also means real democracy.