I don't remember where I got this but I think it's a good philosophical statement.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is the ability to achieve continuing economic prosperity while protecting the natural systems of the planet and providing a high quality of life for its people. Achieving sustainable solutions calls for stewardship with everyone taking responsibility for solving the problems of today and tomorrow, including individuals, communities, businesses and governments, which are all stewards of the environment.
PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
1. RESPECT for wisdom of natural systems
2. RESPECT for people
3. RESPECT for place and differences among places
4. RESPECT for the cycle of life
5. RESPECT for energy and natural resources; Know that natural resources are finite
6. RESPECT for process; If we want to change a result, we must change the process
that led to the result.