I’m here to bring you a new way to frame sustainability that recenters the discussion onto the many different areas of sustainability, and away from the narrower model of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.’ The three R’s work well when discussing certain specific topics; water, plastic bags, aluminum cans, and the like. However, in order to fully address the complexities of sustainability, it’s crucial to broaden the conversation and take into account a wider range of factors. This expanded perspective allows us to delve deeper into the various dimensions of sustainability, such as energy consumption, biodiversity preservation, social equity, and economic stability. By embracing this holistic approach, we can develop comprehensive strategies that not only promote environmental responsibility but also foster sustainable development across diverse sectors. So rather than being confined to the mantra of the three R’s, let’s embark on a more nuanced exploration of sustainability that encompasses its multifaceted aspects and encourages innovative solutions for a better, more resilient future.

It becomes slightly more challenging to apply those principles to a notion such as sustainable eating. Are you truly expected to decrease the amount of food you consume in order to contribute to the conservation of the environment? Is it genuinely plausible to expect individuals to limit their food intake as a means of safeguarding the planet? As the Aussie’s say, “Naur.”

The three R’s also pin all the responsibility, and therefore action, onto the individual, implying that it is up to you to reduce, reuse, and recycle, or you’re bound for sustainability purgatory. It’s the 21st century; we are all aware that a large percentage of environmental damage comes from a handful of mega-corporations, and a company of any size has a significantly larger impact than one individual. In this day and age, it is crucial to acknowledge that the burden of responsibility for reducing, reusing, and recycling falls on each and every one of us. By embracing these principles, we can actively contribute to a more sustainable future.

It is undeniable that a considerable portion of environmental harm stems from a limited number of mega-corporations. Therefore, the actions of these companies must be scrutinized and regulated to make a significant impact. Whether big or small, every company has the potential to influence the environment on a larger scale than an individual alone. By holding corporations accountable for their ecological footprint and encouraging collective action, we can foster genuine change and work towards a greener, more sustainable world.

With all that out of the way, let’s explore the three P’s, what they mean, how they relate to you, and what (generally) falls under each one.

Let’s Define The Three P’s

People

The first, and arguably most important P. It’s you, it’s me. It’s your family, your community, your school, your coworkers, the people you see at the grocery store. It’s all 8 billion of us.

Planet

This giant ball of rock and water hurtling through the infinite darkness. Everything on Earth, under the surface, and in the gravitational pull of our beautiful little green gem.

Profit

Money. Plan and simple. A little bit more complicated: the money you make, but also the money made by business, corporations, non-profits, and governments. Profit refers to any surplus money in the frame of desired specificity. For example, if we specify me as the subject, profit would only refer to the money I earn, through any and all means. Profit is a helpful lense to analyze sustainability because it provides a reflection on the values of an individual, family, organization, company, corporation, or government.

The Three P’s and You

People

This is you, your thoughts behaviors, values, actions, and desires. Next, it’s everyone around you, and all the same relating to them. Beyond that, it’s the people in your neighborhood, city, region, country, and continent. It can be people you see in the flesh, or those you see through a screen or keyboard. In this technologically connected era, our communities are not beholden to physical spaces, and neither will our solutions. Sustainability is not accomplished alone, and community-building is integral to any degree of success.

Planet

How do you interact with our space rock home? Where do you live, and where does your food and fuel come from? The way you interact with the physical world will determine what’s important to you and guide the way you spend your time, money, and effort.

Profit

Sustainability, contrary to popular discourse, has everything to do with money. In the world we have made for ourselves, money is the true revealer, changing and modeling society according to who has money and what they do with it. On a personal level, the amount of money you have can change the way you are able to interact with sustainability. A main tenet of this model of sustainability is achieving financial sustainability; having enough money to live safely and comfortably before worrying about nebulous concepts like the plastic gyre in the Pacific Ocean.

Let’s Make Some Lists

People

• You as a singular physical being
• The things you like buy
• Your physical, mental, and emotional health
• What you like to eat and drink
• Any clubs or organizations you belong to (gym, book club, car enthusiasts group, bird watching association, etc.)
• How much you like to online shop (this one is mostly self-directed)

Planet

• Where you live
• Where your food is grown
• The type of energy used to heat and cool your house
• Where your electricity comes from
• What type of buildings you live and work in
• The type of Big Nature you prefer, though all types have inherent value

Profit

• How much is in your back account
• How much your salary is
• All your expenses
• What you like to spend money on (yes it’s double listed)
• The profit margins and spending choices of every single mega-corporation
• The financial movements of the world’s millionaires and billionaires
• Any non-monetary items you are given or earn through your job

This is a basic overview of the Three P’s, my proposed secondary system for analyzing sustainability that takes the onus off of the little guys, aka you and me. I’ve been using this view for a few years, and it has changed the way I view sustainability and how I incorporate it in my own life and choices. I recommend combining this with the 5 levels of sustainability as a fun thinking exercise. But don’t work too hard now, the world will still be on fire tomorrow!