One Planet Living is a global initiative based on 10 principles, which define

what sustainability means in practice.   The model was developed by international charities Bio Regional and WWF.   

The One Planet Living concept is based on acknowledging that the area of productive land and sea on planet Earth is limited, and that the human population is placing increasing demands on this finite resource which cannot be sustained.      At present, Middlesbrough residents, in common with the whole UK population, are using resources as though society had three planets to support it.   In simple terms, a fair share of the world’s resources is about 1.7 hectares per person per year, often called the ecological footprint,  but in Middlesbrough we live lifestyles needing 5.1 hectares per person per year; hence the three planet lifestyle.     For the long-term maintenance of reasonable living conditions, our demands must be reduced to one planet, but the challenge is to do this by improving environmental conditions and local well-being in an affordable way.

As stocks of resources such as fossil fuels, minerals, timber and water continue to be depleted, these will get more expensive.    In times of financial constraint it is essential to ensure we use resources as efficiently and effectively as possible. Applying the One Planet Living principles is a very practical way of helping to provide the best possible services to the Middlesbrough community within tightening budgets, demonstrating the link between saving the planet’s resources and prudent economic management.

Middlesbrough Council has supported the development of One Planet Living in Middlesbrough and has recently completed consultation on a One Planet Living Action Plan.  The Action Plan includes information on how the Council and some of its partners will address the challenges of One Planet Living in the coming years.  MEC is now using the ten principles of One Planet Living as a tool for encouraging local people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and is using the One Planet Living Action Plan as a framework for the organisation’s work programme.

The ten principles of one planet living are a framework to help us enjoy a high quality of life within a fair share of the earth's resources:

Making buildings more energy efficient and delivering all energy with renewable technologies.

Reducing waste arisings, reusing where possible, and ultimately sending zero waste to landfill.

Encouraging low carbon modes of transport to reduce emissions, reducing the need to travel.

Using sustainable products that have a low embodied energy.

Choosing low impact, local, seasonal and organic diets and reducing food waste.

Using water more efficiently in buildings and in the products we buy; tackling local flooding and water course pollution.

Protecting and expanding old habitats and creating new space for wildlife.

Reviving local identity and wisdom; support for, and participation in, the arts.

Inclusive, empowering workplaces with equitable pay; support for local communities and fair trade.

Encouraging active, sociable, meaningful lives to promote good health and well being.