Sustainability

Can sustainability and development go hand in hand? In two places that I recently visited, I believe this is possible.
Maui,Hawaii
Aloha!!
There was no littering anywhere. The resort where I stayed had many waste-water-energy management techniques in place. Here are a few :

• Variable energy drives efficient motors installed in water features systems. Engineering department standard operating procedure requires that all new motors installed will be high energy efficient rated.
• Reduced water and chemical consumption in pools and Spa has been achieved by installing electronic water level controllers and filtration systems to high rate sand filtration systems.
• The Engineering department proactively conducts daily monitoring of all utilities, water and irrigation usage to identify usage patterns, track project efficiency and problem areas.
• Indigenous and endemic Hawaiian plants and shrubs that are drought resistant reducing watering usage are planted throughout
• Landscaping has cut irrigation run times to reduce overall property consumption. Retrofitting irrigation system to low flow water conserving sprinkler heads, an updated auto satellite irrigation control system.
• Green waste (over 10 tons per month) generated by landscape is converted to compost and soil amendments for plant nourishment improving irrigation water absorption, holding capacity and plant immunity eliminating need for fertilizer that could run off into the ocean and damage shoreline waters.
• Property uses computerized irrigation control system that reduces irrigation water time that automatically adjusts watering time, shuts down when it’s done and monitors daily consumption
• LED landscape lighting

In malls, in public places, posters displayed information on their contribution towards sustainability. It seemed like every space was reinforcing this thought of preserving native species, adopting an eco-sensitive approach and a deep reverence for Nature.
Hawaiian songs celebrate, venerate Nature.
Wai Ola – Hawaii Kids Calabash Songs Featuring Pearly Shells – YouTube
An aura of bliss pervades the water, the sands, the skies and permeates into your soul.Mahalo
BhutanKuzuzangpola
I had written about Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness as an index of prosperity. The GNH policy is reflected in the education system too. Clean Bhutan Project’s coordinator, Nedup Tshering, said the project is about “advocating behavioral changes” by committing Bhutan as zero waste by 2030.Clean Bhutan’s areas of action are to save rivers from becoming a dumpyard; clean trekking routes; and have zero waste towns. The Green Bhutan project seeks to make Bhutan greener than it already is. The project aims to plant flowers and trees in all towns across the country. It also aspires to foster a culture of planting trees among the citizens. Students who are a part of this take up tasks like creating organic garden patches, cleaning of river banks and spreading awareness on keeping the country clean.Kardrinchhey