SUSTAINABILITY
What is Sustainability? Why is it Important?
Sustainability is the study of how natural systems work, remain diverse and produce everything it needs for the ecology to remain in balance. It also acknowledges that human civilization takes resources to sustain a modern way of life, and takes into consideration how we can sustain these needs in a way that harmonizes with the nature around us. Sustainability takes into account how we might protect the natural world from damage and destruction.
our primary goals of SUSTAINABILITY
One Cat Foundation’s goal is to build a sustainable community that will allow the community to thrive economically, socially, and environmentally.
Bringing in jobs
Creating scalable renewable resources so funding is fully available for future investment in our initiatives and improving our outreach and services. It is always easier to help others when you have a full tank yourself!
Rainwater harvesting for emergencies (droughts, natural disaster, relief) Providing healthy food to residents and community
Bringing and storing power for areas that have limited access
Providing protection for wildlife and nature
Educating the community and guests to participate in environmental sustainability, and teaching them about the effects of environmental protection, as well as warning of the dangers of what may happen if we cannot achieve our goals
Recycling, repurposing, and remanufacturing all the trash made in our communities, trash in no trash out
Our Journey to Sustainability
One Cat is committed to sustainable housing, and our communities will incorporate Earthship ™ - inspired technology. One Cat US Vice President, Jessica Klčo, journeyed to Taos, NM to work with Earthship Biotecture on building sustainable homes. The basic premise of an Earthship ™ is a sustainable home made of recycled materials. This home is able to provide the 6 basic needs of a home:
Electricity from the sun and wind
Water is harvested on the roof from the rain and snow melt
Sewage is treated and recycled on site in both interior and exterior botanical planters along with a traditional septic tank
Heating and Cooling is from the sun and the Earth Berm (thermal wrap)
Food is grown inside the greenhouse and outside.
Shelter built of recycled and natural materials
Earthships are constructed mainly with natural and recycled materials: rammed-earth tires, glass bottles, aluminum cans, cardboard, wood, adobe, straw bale, and more. These homes provide one with everything they need to survive in any part of the world, and in any climate. The Earthship homes are designed to sustain in even the most extreme climates (-40⁰ f to 120⁰f).
The tools and materials can be found in nearly every country. These sturdy homes can stand against hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornados.
“An Earthship greenhouse is a place in which one both lives and works… it is a place that contributes to the aesthetics of the oome it aids in the air purification and provides food and medicine. It functions as a primary source of heating within the structure and it can significantly assist in the responsible stewardship of water which is so critical in this day and age. The need for balancing the elements of living, working, and maintaining proper home functions are what make Earthships dynamic and distinctie,” (Dynan, 2020).
Vice President, Jessica Klčo, is excited to bring these sustainable concepts to our Sanctuary in South Africa and to the United States office.
“We now have knowledge and tools to be able to build affordable sustainable homes across the globe. I am excited to share my knowledge with anyone who is willing to listen. We are in this together as a community, and I am ready to build with my neighbor.” - Jessica Klčo
Vice President, Jessica Klčo, building an Earthship in Taos, NM at the Earthship Academy.
Photo: Earthship Biotecture www.earthship.com @earthship
VP Jessica Klčo building a wall made of adobe & recycled wine bottles.
Photo: Earthship Biotecture www.earthship.com @earthship
VP Jessica Klčo building a wall made of tires, trash, aluminum bottles, cardboard, dirt, and concrete.
The Three Pillars of Sustainability
Economic Development is about providing incentives for the community to adhere to the sustainable guidelines. This is to encourage the people to do their part where and when they can. If everyone is self sufficient in the community, then together they are storing enough to help one struggling within the community. Economic development is about giving people what they want without compromising quality of life, and reducing the financial burden of utilities and food with the help of the solar farm and community garden.
Social Development brings awareness and protection to the health of the environment from pollution and other harmful activities. It is about maintaining access to basic resources without compromising the quality of life: shelter, food, clean water, electricity, sewage treatment, and recycling & garbage management. Lastly, educating the community to participate in environmental sustainability, while also teaching about the effects on environmental protection and the dangers of what can happen if we cannot achieve our goals.
Environmental Protection shows us how we should study and protect ecosystems, air quality, integrity, and sustainability of our resources. This also focuses on the things that place stress on the environment and coming up with an innovative way to solve the problem.