What is sustainability?

I know what you're thinking... what is sustainability?

That's a good question. After all, the concept of sustainable development has become increasingly relevant in the past few years, which means its underpinnings have been affected by a wide variety of groups, interests, and policy decisions. As a result, sustainability has remained a relatively ill-defined concept. Indeed, this obtuseness makes it difficult for many to comprehend what it means to live a sustainable life. In order to proceed with my project, however, I must settle on a precise definition. Thus far I have chosen this one:

Sustainability: The potential for long-term maintenance of well-being, which depends on ensuring the welfare of the natural world and its inhabitants as well as using natural resources responsibly. It implies the integration of economic, social, and environmental spheres to meed the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.