Orlando Nastri Neto (photo) was born in a Spiritist family in the city of Araraquara, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. He lives in the state capital, São Paulo, where he works as administrator and sustainability consultant for Instituto Votorantim. He is a volunteer worker at the Irmão Alfredo Spiritist Centre. In this interview, he sheds light on the always pertinent issue of sustainability.

Where does your interest for sustainability come from?

Sustainability is a step towards maturity in the actions of companies, government, civilian society and citizens in general. I feel that there is something bigger beyond the classic environmental approach. There is a contemporary concept of sustainability concerning social and economic issues. Humanity has been going through a more intensive phase in this process of awakening its conscience and maturing since the 1990s, when we had the international environmental conference in Rio, in 92. The principle of sustainability is being put into practice all over the world and the United Nations strengthened its stance in 2015, when it created its Goals of Sustainable Development.

How can we define in a clear and practical manner the concept of sustainability?

Sustainability can be defined from the perspective of companies as a system that encourages and protects productive activities that are economically viable, socially just, environmentally responsible and also culturally diverse. In practice, a good example is organic agriculture practiced by families and certified as so. It is also the case of government policies that develop public policies or non-governmental organisations that fight for environmental conservation, for example.

How can we understand the issue from a Spiritist perspective?

There is clearly a development in the responsibility of private companies, which are directed by people, who are of course incarnated Spirts. To act according to the true principles of sustainability amounts to produce with responsibility, to preserve natural resources and to carry out social-economic development in a way in which all sides win and the outcome is shared. I believe there is a clear connection between sustainability and the natural evolution of the Earth.

And in your assessment, as a professional and a Spiritist, how well are we doing in that area?

We are at an initial stage and eventually people and all actors in society will realise that this is the right way. Consumers, the media, regulators and people in general will follow these principles naturally. There is no way back. But we are still in the beginning of that process until we think society in an integrated and systemic way, in which damage is mitigated for the shared benefit of all. Spirituality also plays a decisive role in this new way of thinking.  

Is there any particular aspect or event from your experience that you would like to share with the readers? 

Sustainability is a far-reaching global movement which goes much beyond the environmental movement that is widely known. There is a new world being built in the background. It is based on sustainable, inclusive principles, marked by the development and expansion of the liberties of the individuals who live in this world. A world with better quality of life and more wellbeing is being built.

How can we, as citizens and Spiritists, play a more active role in that process?

We need small acts and change of attitudes to make the system work. If you separate recyclable and organic rubbish at home, you will be playing a part. There will be a positive impact, even if a few homes in the neighbourhood do it. Recyclable rubbish can generate income for a cooperative and, at the same time, reduce the demand for natural resources. To be a Christian in the world is to act with responsibility, thinking of ways of mitigating the negative impacts that we can have. As Spiritism has brought a new form of conscience to the world, it may well play a key part in the construction of this new world of sustainability.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?

The book, Development as Freedom, by the Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen, brings us concepts of sustainability that may be mixed with Spiritist education. It is worth reading.  

What are your final thoughts?

Our physical world shows signs that it is failing, regarding climate change. We need to find again the purpose we have in this world. It is not only about production, consumption, profit and pollution. Sustainability plays a key role in this change in the way everyone, from big corporations to common individuals, think and act. Spiritists have a cultural connection with sustainability thanks to the moral framework provided by the Teachings. I recommend that we all study this issue further to help form beings and Spirits already immersed in the concept of sustainability.