Sustainable development

Sustainable development meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It does not require all development to stop, nor does it mean that finite resources can never be used. It requires present benefits to be balanced against future resource availability and environmental effects.

Recycling supports sustainable development because present needs can be met while reducing the rate at which valuable resources are depleted. It does not make the supply infinite, but it extends the useful life of existing reserves.