My first memory of the idea of sustainability came in the early 50′s. I was raised by professionals who had both risen from abject poverty and with rural settings. Once successful they never stopped growing our own massive garden, planted and orchard and we canned, froze or shared the inevitable surplus we had every season. This was all accomplished on tract home lots in back yards and finally when they moved us to a more upscale neighborhood the primary motivation was that we had almost a half acre lot and could really expand what we produced.
It is a lesson that is ingrained in me, self sufficiency is the most critical skill a human can posses and at times included collective labor and skill sets. I am truly blessed to have adult children that carry on these practices and now granddaughters that are learning quickly. peace