How many of us purchase Styrofoam cups of coffee or lunch in plastic takeaway containers?

In our busy lives trash is not something we normally think about, but if we are to safeguard this Island for future generations, a change in mindset is needed.

The words sustainable development however, apparently don't mean that much to most Bermuda residents.

A recent Bermuda Omnibus Survey (by Total Research Associates) revealed almost half the population 46 percent were unable to describe the role of Government's Sustainable Development Unit (SDU). And a quarter could not even identify a single sustainable development issue.

The concept however, covers almost every facet of our lives, from the economy through to environment, education to housing, health care to public safety.

Following publication of Bermuda's Sustainable Development Strategy and Implementation Plan (SDSIP) in March 2008, the SDU has been tasked with implementing more than 130 recommendations going forward.

These sustainable development initiatives must balance social, economic and environmental issues, and the SDU must report to the public on its progress.

The team yesterday announced its priorities for 2010, working in partnership with the Sustainable Development Roundtable (SDRT).

They include encouraging businesses to adopt more sustainable food consumption patterns, such as the use of biodegradable packaging and refillable coffee mugs.

SDU Director Charles Brown in the meantime will aim to increase public awareness, encouraging people to think 'outside the box' in a broader, more sustainable way.

Working with Government, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and the private sector, he insists everyone has a role to play. "The Government of Bermuda has mandated the SDU to provide leadership for the sustainable development agenda but it is vital to our future sustainability that the public also sufficiently understands, engages with and supports our work," said Mr. Brown.

"This is a long-term process and will not be achieved overnight. However, it starts with education and small changes day-by-day."

This may include adding sustainable development to the school curriculum, although discussions have yet to take place due to the Ministry of Education's current commitments in reforming the public school system.

Mr. Brown was appointed Director of the SDU two years ago, and now has dedicated office space in Reid Street and a team of Bermudians to take the SDSIP forward.

Dr. Nicola O'Leary, a former Bermuda College lecturer and Education Director at the Bermuda National Trust, became a Sustainable Development Officer last month. And a second Officer will be announced in the coming weeks.

The team is about to make a series of recommendations to Cabinet on housing, taking into account future anticipated demand from rising numbers of seniors. It also aims to engage architects, civil engineers and developers to use sustainable building materials and to retrofit existing buildings for greater energy efficiency.

Mr. Brown said that while many office building projects have already been completed, the SDU still hoped to push sustainable development principles in future hotel design.

He added the team was also exploring whether legislation could be "a fit" for Bermuda.

"We don't have legislative authority yet but we would hope the representations we make would be seriously considered by the architects of these plans," said Mr. Brown.

Later in the year the SDU will also submit proposals for protection and management of Bermuda's open spaces.

Mr. Brown said he could not yet comment as to whether this would include Southlands, but the SDU and SDRT hope to create urban recreational areas known as 'parklettes'.

Ultimately, he said, sustainable development is about meeting the basic needs of the community while ensuring quality of life for future generations.

"We all have choices and a responsibility to build a future for those born today to inherit the same quality of life we are experiencing," he said. "The Sustainable Development Plan is a social contract with current and future generations. We have to make decisions affecting our future, but also the quality of life for those coming behind us."

* For more information on sustainable development go to: www.sdbermuda.gov.bm