Sustainable vs. Sustenance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
Sustainable refers to methods or practices that can be maintained over time without depleting resources, while sustenance pertains to the means of sustaining life, typically food and drink.
Difference Between Sustainable and Sustenance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sustainable practices are designed to meet current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own, focusing on long-term environmental health and resource management. Sustenance, on the other hand, directly relates to the food, water, and other essentials required for survival.
In terms of usage, sustainable is often applied to development, energy, and agriculture, emphasizing eco-friendly and long-lasting approaches. Sustenance is used more in discussions about basic human needs and nutrition, emphasizing survival and health.
Sustainable development involves using technologies and strategies that reduce environmental impact, whereas providing sustenance involves ensuring adequate nutrition and basic needs are met for healthy living.
Policies aimed at sustainability might involve regulations on emissions, use of renewable resources, and conservation strategies, while those related to sustenance are focused on food security, access to clean water, and poverty alleviation.
The goal of sustainability is broader, including socio-economic balance and environmental integrity, while the focus of sustenance is more immediate, centered on maintaining life and well-being through adequate nutrition and care.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Practices that can be maintained over time
Means of sustaining life, especially food
Primary Focus
Long-term environmental health, resource balance
Immediate human needs, nutrition
Common Applications
Development, energy, agriculture
Food security, basic human needs
Policy Implications
Emission regulations, renewable resources
Food distribution, access to water
Ultimate Goal
No depletion of resources, future generation needs
Survival, maintaining health
Compare with Definitions
Sustainable
Capable of being maintained at a certain rate or level.
Seeking sustainable growth, the company adopted green technologies.
Sustenance
Means of sustaining life; nourishment.
The charity provided sustenance to those affected by the disaster.
Sustainable
Avoiding the depletion of natural resources to maintain ecological balance.
The sustainable farming practices helped preserve the local wildlife.
Sustenance
Food and drink regarded as a source of strength; nourishment.
The explorers carried enough sustenance to last the journey.
Sustainable
Products or methods that do not harm the environment.
The festival promoted sustainable living through workshops and eco-friendly products.
Sustenance
The maintaining of someone or something in life or existence.
She found sustenance in her faith during difficult times.
Sustainable
Pertaining to a system that maintains its own viability by using techniques that allow for continual reuse.
The building was designed with sustainable energy systems like solar panels.
Sustenance
Support or reinforcement.
The community programs offered sustenance to the underprivileged neighborhoods.
Sustainable
Related to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future.
The new city plan was praised for its sustainable urban development strategies.
Sustenance
Essential food items needed for life.
Emergency kits should include sustenance like water and high-energy food.
Sustainable
Capable of being sustained.
Sustenance
Sustenance can refer to any means of subsistence or livelihood.
Sustainable
Capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment
Sustainable agriculture.
Sustenance
The supporting of life or health; maintenance or means of livelihood
The factory provides sustenance for half the town.
Sustainable
Able to be sustained.
Sustenance
Something, especially food, that sustains life or health
Looking for sustenance in the kitchen.
Sustainable
Able to be produced or sustained for an indefinite period without damaging the environment, or without depleting a resource; renewable.
Sustainable economy
Sustenance
Something that sustains something else; essential support
Researchers seeking financial sustenance.
Sustainable
A renewable energy source.
Sustenance
Something that provides support or nourishment.
Sustainable
Capable of being sustained or maintained; as, the action is not sustainable.
Sustenance
The act of sustaining; support; maintenance; subsistence; as, the sustenance of the body; the sustenance of life.
Sustainable
Capable of being sustained
Sustenance
That which supports life; food; victuals; provisions; means of living; as, the city has ample sustenance.
For lying is thy sustenance, thy food.
Sustenance
A source of materials to nourish the body
Sustenance
The financial means whereby one lives;
Each child was expected to pay for their keep
He applied to the state for support
He could no longer earn his own livelihood
Sustenance
The act of sustaining life by food or providing a means of subsistence;
They were in want of sustenance
Fishing was their main sustainment
Common Curiosities
How does sustenance relate to health?
Sustenance relates directly to health as it includes essential nutrients needed for bodily function and strength.
What are examples of sustenance in a survival situation?
In a survival situation, sustenance would typically include water, canned goods, dried fruits, and nuts—foods that provide essential nutrients and are non-perishable.
What does sustainable mean in environmental terms?
In environmental terms, sustainable refers to methods that do not deplete resources and can be maintained long-term.
Why is sustainability important in agriculture?
Sustainability in agriculture is important to ensure that farming can continue without harming the environment or depleting resources, securing food for future generations.
Can a diet be both sustainable and provide sustenance?
Yes, a diet can be both sustainable and provide sustenance by incorporating locally sourced, environmentally friendly food that meets nutritional needs.
How can communities improve sustenance security?
Communities can improve sustenance security through programs that ensure equal access to nutritious food, clean water, and through education on healthy eating.
What are the challenges in achieving sustainability?
Challenges in achieving sustainability include economic constraints, lack of public awareness, and resistance to change from traditional practices.
Is sustainable energy cost-effective?
Initially, sustainable energy can be costly to implement, but over time, it often becomes cost-effective due to lower operational costs and less environmental impact.
What makes a building sustainable?
A building is considered sustainable if it uses energy efficiently, utilizes eco-friendly materials, and reduces its overall environmental impact.
How do social programs contribute to providing sustenance?
Social programs contribute by offering food assistance, healthcare, and support services to ensure that all community members have access to basic necessities.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
