Definition of sustainably

The word "sustainably" has its roots in the Latin word "sustinere," which means "to hold up" or "to support." The term "sustainable" first appeared in the 17th century, referring to something that can be maintained or preserved over time. In the 1980s, the concept of sustainable development was born, coined by the World Commission on Environment and Development in its report "Our Common Future." The commission defined sustainable development as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." The word "sustainably" emerged as a variation of "sustainable" in the 1990s, particularly in the context of environmental and ecological practices. Today, "sustainably" is widely used to describe efforts to reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote social equity.