Sustainability is a term that has been used in a myriad of ways, often misused and abused. Yet, there is no better term to explain what is central to ARSAN. That's why we decided that instead of searching for new and different words  to describe what we target, we will be demonstrating through our actions what sustainability really is. 

The definition of sustainability is elusive. In a broad sense it is the capacity to endure. Various sources define it differently :

• Sustainability is the potential for long-term maintenance of well being, which in turn depends on the well being of the natural world and the responsible use of natural resources.
• Sustainability means long term cultural, economic, and environmental health and vitality.
• A sustainable society is one that can persist over generations.

ARSAN endorses all of these definitions. Since our focus is on the development of a sustainable local food system our interpretation of sustainability and its applications will be mostly expressed in relation to different aspects of food, its production and consumption as defined by Principles of Sustainable Foods.  

Sustainability, as we understand it, should not be confused with environmentalism, which is a broad philosophy and social movement regarding concerns for environmental conservation and improvement of the state of the environment.  Sustainability has a deeper and broader meaning. It wraps economics, ecology, social and personal well being together. It refers to the whole system rather than only to one of its parts. Focusing on sustainability makes the effort more connected to people as it draws them into the picture and makes them part of it.