Environmental stewardship: concepts and practices

Environmental Stewardship can be simply described as "the comprehensive understanding and effective management of critical environmental risks and opportunities related to climate change, emissions, waste management, resource consumption, water conservation, biodiversity protection and ecosystem services" ("Environmental Stewardship," 2010). Thus, environmental stewardship is actually the responsibility for environmental superiority shared by everyone by whose actions the environment is affected. This sense of responsibility is that rare value that is mirrored through the choices that individuals, businesses, societies, and government make to shape the environment, society, and economy (Johnson, 2005). Environmental stewardship can also be regarded as a behavior that is exhibited by means of incessant upgrading and enhancement of environmental performance along with a dedication to "efficient use of natural resources, protection of ecosystems, and, where applicable, ensuring a baseline of compliance with environmental requirements" (Johnson, 2005 ).

In the contemporary society, environmental stewardship is on the increase. Nowadays, a majority of people are making conversant selections in their daily lives, places of work, and neighborhoods that are good for their atmosphere, money, and for general quality of life. Such actions are really enthusing and point towards a promising communal loyalty to environmental stewardship. However, this phenomenon is not a new one. It is apparent in the daily activities of people who appreciate natural resources and consequently provide valuable services in miscellaneous settings (Johnson, 2005).

Environmental stewardship not only helps in the preservation of natural resources but also in the achievement of sustainable results. This is the reason why a large number of people today are making daily choices with greater concern so that a healthier life and cleaner environment can be sustained (Johnson, 2005).

Not only individuals but businesses too are putting in their efforts for environmental stewardship as it promises lower operating costs, better products, a tough commercial trade name, and better relationships with neighbors, dealers, consumers and government monitors (Johnson, 2005). Most of the companies all over the world have turned their branding around for reflecting a commitment to the environment. New technologies have been explored which have helped these companies to operate in a cleaner and greener manner. They have donated and are still providing land for open space, supporting local charities etc. To cut a long story short, the companies and investors are "basing more of their business decisions on environmental and social considerations, realizing that these, too, impact the bottom line" (Manning, 2004).