Sustainable development

Sustainable development is global, regional and local continuous and controlled social change, the goal of which is to secure good living opportunities for current and future generations. This also means that the environment, people and the economy are taken into account equally in decision-making and operations.

The starting point of ecological sustainability is the preservation of natural diversity and ecosystem functionality. Human activity must be adapted to nature's sustainability and limited natural resources. Ecological sustainable development is essentially related to other areas of sustainable development, because human existence requires the earth to be habitable.

Financial sustainability refers to balanced growth in which natural resources are used sparingly and equitably, and is therefore not based on long-term indebtedness or the destruction of reserves. Financial sustainability can be achieved through efficient recycling and the use of renewable natural resources. Economic sustainability is the basis of social sustainability, such as the growing social security and health expenses caused by the aging of the population. A sustainable economy is the basis of social sustainability.

Social and cultural sustainability means fostering community rather than individuality, justice and equality. Social sustainable development strives to secure for everyone an adequate livelihood, basic rights and the opportunity to participate in decision-making. Cultural sustainable development enables the preservation of the spectrum of cultures.

Sustainable development is essentially influenced by how economic and other societal developments promote the well-being of the country's inhabitants. The basic well-being of citizens is one important condition for the promotion of ecological sustainability and its social acceptability.

Sustainable development in the Imatra region

The Imatra region has participated in an energy advisory project, reducing energy use and switching to renewable energy. In 2014, the environmental action participated in the creation of a sustainable development, or Keke-pass, aimed at the students of Saimaa vocational college Sammo, where everyone studying at a South Karelia vocational college has to complete a sustainable development passport during their studies.

The environmental action of the Imatra region has been involved in the preparation of the completed environmental education strategy for South Karelia (sustainable development 2025). Through it, it is intended to take sustainable development to a practical level (schools, kindergartens, workplaces, municipal residents, etc.). At various public events and events (e.g. markets and fairs), sustainable development is brought up, e.g. in terms of recycling and energy saving.

Recycling centers and flea markets in the Imatra region:

In Imatra:
eco market, Torikatu 7, 55800 Imatra
Kirpputori Amalia, Helsingintie 29, 55100 Imatra
Kruunukirppis, Tuomaankuja 1, 55100 Imatra
Tää ja Nää Pajakirppis, Koskenparras 7, 55100 Imatra
Pelastakaa Lapset ry:n kirpputori, Tainionkoskentie 68, 55120 Imatra
Porttikirppis, Esterinkatu 11, 55100 Imatra
Saimaan Virta ry, Kierrätysmyymälä, Karhumäenkatu 6, 55120 Imatra

In Parikkala:
KantriKirppis, Maataloustie 42, 59310 Särkisalmi (auki touko-elokuu)
Goodwill-kierrätysmyymälä, Kiipolantie 2, 59100 Parikkala
Piian kirppis, Parikkalantie 35, 59100 Parikkala

In Rautjärvi:
Rautjärven SRK:n Missiokirppis, Simpeleentie 6, 56800 Simpele
Simpeleen MLL:n kirpputori, Reinikaisenkatu 6, 56800 Simpele