Ecology in practice

In the 21st century, sustainability generally refers to the capacity for the natural environment and human civilisation to coexist. In response to concerns over degradation of the biosphere, particularly global warming, earlier this year MPs in the House of Commons approved a motion to declare an environment and climate emergency.

For many employed in optics, working to improve sustainability will be a worthwhile pursuit regardless of financial implications. Those less keen may wish to consider the rising desire for sustainable retail choices among the general public and the fact that some actions (such as fitting energy reducing light bulbs) that increase sustainability actively save practices money.