What does the practice of substitution often involve?

The practice of substitution primarily involves replacing conventional resources with sustainable alternatives. This approach is fundamental in sustainability because it seeks to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and minimize environmental impact. For instance, using bioplastics instead of traditional plastics, or renewable energy sources like solar and wind power in place of fossil fuels, are practical applications of this concept.

By promoting substitution, organizations can innovate and shift towards more sustainable practices that not only contribute to environmental conservation but also often result in resource efficiency and long-term economic benefits. This transition plays a crucial role in addressing challenges such as climate change and resource depletion by facilitating the adoption of materials and processes that have a lower ecological footprint.

In contrast, increasing fossil fuel dependency, developing new market strategies, and enhancing production methods do not inherently focus on the replacement of harmful resources. These may or may not align with sustainable practices, depending on how they are implemented. For example, enhancing production methods could still rely on non-renewable energy sources unless specifically geared towards sustainability.