The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established to oversee NEPA by gathering environmental data and developing policies to improve environmental quality.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created to protect the environment through researching activities and setting standards. It reviews federal actions to determine whether or not they are environmentally satisfactory.

In 1981, the White House Council on Environmental Quality generated a report stating that sustainable development is the key. It will ensure long term economic development, at the same time protecting the natural resources of developing countries.

Present Sustainability Problems

Today, it seems that sustainability becomes harder and harder to achieve with the present environmental degradation. Practically everything consumed becomes waste. There are recyclable materials, yet oftentimes, these materials don’t ever make it to another life. They often end up sitting in our landfills along with other items that shouldn’t be there like electronic waste (e-waste) and hazardous chemicals.

Promoting Sustainability

There is a need for a collective effort in order to achieve sustainability. Without a change in behavior, environmental degradation continues to increase more rapidly.

A few steps that can help to preserve our environment include reducing consumption of materials at home, like paper and plastic goods. You can also reuse and recycle items to help reduce waste. Aiming for zero waste by buying and utilizing recyclable and compostable materials will also minimize our landfills. In addition, when possible, choosing natural products without harmful chemicals will help to create a sustainable environment, one without toxins and pollutants affecting the land we live on, water we drink, and air we breathe.