Sustainability is defined as the ability to provide for the needs of the world's current population without damaging the ability of future generations to provide for themselves. When a process is sustainable, it can be carried out over and over without negative environmental effects or impossibly high costs to anyone involved. Actions interfering with such a goal include environmental pollution and waste production, exploitation of natural resources and genetic modification of crops, among others. Aside from political intervention, there are behaviors we all can adopt to make a difference, such as reusing or recycling waste (check with your county regarding existing options), composting (see options at www.gardeners.com), purchasing less packaged products (fresh foods, for example), use your own bags when you shop, rather than accepting the paper or plastic ones offered by the store, refrain from chemically treating your yard or home, buy as many organic products as possible (as this encourages organic farming),  preserve water and electricity to the best of your abilities, teach your children to respect nature and lead by example, do not litter and if you can, become involved with an organization that strives to restore some of the balance our planet has lost in recent years.