The purpose of sustainability is to meet present day needs in a way that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainability places a lot of focus on preserving and using natural resources wisely, but it also focuses on economic and social issues that affect everyone around world, with increased emphasis on people and societies most in need.

Whether you are a business owner or an individual, there is always something you can do to leave the world a better place for the future. Making a difference doesn’t even mean having to spend a lot of money or invest a lot of time. Here are a few things you can do to make the world a better place:

•Donate.Donate money to environmental or social causes that you believe in. Websites and phone apps make it easier than ever to locate charitable causes and investigate whether they put their donations to good use. You’ll be donating to a good cause and earning a tax deduction to boot. Before donating to a charity, make sure to check their reputation with an independent evaluator, like Charity  Navigator.

•Raise well-rounded human beings.Raising a family can be difficult. It is an honorable goal to provide your children with more opportunities and experiences than you might have had growing up. Consider this legacy an investment in the future generation that will make the world a better place.

•Lead by example.Both at home and at work you can encourage others to get involved with the community and take steps toward living a sustainable lifestyle. Support community groups that strive to improve the environment or improve the lives of less fortunate people.

If you can’t donate time or money, then just make an effort to do no harm. Act responsibly by not wasting natural resources. Reduce your impact on the environment by recycling and buying locally or from socially responsible retailers. In the end, these simple actions can help leave the world a better place than it was when we started out.