Creative Directed by Cole Vest

Written by Cole Vest & Daniel Castillo

Graphic Design by Rachael Mueller

Photography by McKinley Brown

In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commissions placed a much needed definition on the concept of sustainability. Sustainability is defined as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Though the concept of sustainable development is abstract, this definition clears a path for understanding. 

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have since been established by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. These SDGs categorize 17 facets of sustainability, including but not limited to: No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). SDGs give members of the United Nations a more tangible way to assess sustainability initiatives and allow for comparing progress, giving countries an incentive to put their greenest thumb and most sustainable foot forward. 

Springfield, alongside many other cities — whether in Missouri, the United States, or across the globe — has recognized its capacity for sustainable improvement. Springfield has set initiatives in place to steadily move towards a more sustainable future. Springfield’s city government offers a Sustainability Office that provides programs for education and outreach. According to Springfield’s official city government website, Springfield has been held up as a model community by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR).  This role model status is attributed to the city’s compact layout, implementation of green infrastructure, and social involvement in community programs. An unsung hero, however, may be our very own Missouri State University.

Missouri State University offers a geography and sustainability degree, unlike most of Missouri’s leading colleges. Though sustainability courses and certificates can often be found at collegiate levels, Missouri State provides excellent support and faculty to those interested in getting involved in the conversation around sustainability. For those looking “to address environmental, social and economic sustainability issues for our well-being and that of future generations,” pursuing a geography and sustainability degree at Missouri State could be the way to go. By educating students on sustainable development, we are allowing for a future of sustainability advocation for generations to come.

Though Springfield is regarded well in sustainability sectors, the city has its short-comings. Take urban development, another facet of sustainable practice. Intentional development ensures that citizens can commute without heavy reliance on vehicle transportation, notably cars. Increased car usage leads to increased traffic, air and noise pollution, and even potential fatality, unfortunately familiar to many in Springfield. Walkscore.com, a website that ranks the accessibility of city transit, gives Springfield a walk score of 39, and a bike score of 51, compared to St. Louis’ walkability score of 66 labeled as “somewhat walkable,” and Kansas City’s walkability score of 35, labeled as “car-dependent.” Springfield specifically, while offering sparing sidewalk accessibility, has plenty potential to do better. Walkability can be improved through implementing practices such as: pedestrian-minded streets, intentional zoning, traffic lights that serve the local traffic flow.

For example, Cherry Street’s tight-knit community — homes and commercial opportunities in close proximity, pedestrian accessible infrastructure, and implementation of natural elements — make this neighborhood all the more enjoyable for the average citizen. Contrastingly, National Avenue, a major street in Springfield, leaves many in fear of traffic collisions. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicle operators alike are placed in unsafe circumstances on sidewalks placed alongside major roadways with no dividing buffers. Coming to a full halt at a greenlight or driving fifteen miles per hour under the speed limit should be unlikely, but are all too common for the average Springfield commuter. 

Commuting in a city like Springfield should not be a crime, but with nearly 20,000 total traffic violation citations given out by Springfield police in 2023, there seems to be no alternative. In a town with congested traffic and limited parking, the “walkable city” is not only a privilege, but a necessity. 

Sustainability is often referred to as a wicked problem. A wicked problem is a complex, social or cultural issue that is difficult or impossible to solve. There is no single solution, with many potential solutions that can not be actualized due to the rapidly developing nature of the difficulties at hand. Despite sustainability’s ability to be pinned down, sustainability impacts us all on both global and individual levels. Environmental sustainability is often attributed to oil spills, plastic production, and wildfires, typically on levels far out of the reach of the actions of individuals. 

Sustainability is an issue that can quickly snowball, especially when considering geopolitical and sociopolitical factors such as humanity’s evolution, industrial development, and even war. But in a city like Springfield, Missouri, sustainable practices can be found in our alleyways, streetlights, sidewalks, and storefronts. As generations of students, visitors, relatives, and those who are Springfield-born interact with the city, the city begins to build upon itself. Not only can sustainable practice be seen in our celebrated historic landmarks such as Commercial Street, but delicately woven into Springfield’s multigenerational culture.

Sustainable living is nothing without intention. To live sustainably we must be wise about the ways in which we are using our resources, time, and energy. To ensure that future generations of Springfield citizens can have the same, if not better experience here, we must continue to advocate for the preservation of the land, water, ecosystem, and most importantly, the people who come together to make a city feel like a community.