Dear Colleagues,

We live in a world where sustainability (and its many constituents/surrogates) is being called for on numerous stages. From the recent social unrest in the United States, borne of racial injustice, to the outcomes and implications of a global pandemic, our collective well-being is being challenged on every level. A shift in the way we relate to the planet is needed. We propose that science can be used as a tool not to control our future, but to recognize, catalyze, and support natural processes unfolding in front of us each day for an improved quality of life for all beings.

Theologian Matthew Fox says we can relate to the Earth in three ways: exploit it, recreate on it, or be in awe of it. We suggest that, from a space of awe and intentional inquiry, we can reconnect with and develop wisdom that simultaneously enhances our sustainability and well-being. Thus, for this Special Issue, “Advancing Sustainability through Well-Being”, we are seeking new considerations of the inextricable links between sustainability and well-being.

We seek to collate a diverse collection of academic works linking (m)any of the multiple dimensions of well-being (physical, mental, emotional, subjective, social, spiritual, sexual, environmental, non-human, multi-dimensional, etc.) and sustainability (in its many definitions and considerations). We specifically ask for papers that realize our current state, acknowledge past wisdom and mistakes/gifts that have supported the present, and strive for a future where all beings are honored. 

We welcome original research papers that may be grounded in empirical work, but also those that engage with alternative theories and frameworks. Examples might include autoethnographies, using mixed media or arts-based methods, such as audio-visual or storytelling, or papers with feminist, anti-colonial, and anti-racist tones. Non-typical works and authors are also welcomed, including those in racial and social justice platforms, the arts, spirituality, indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge, approaches to regeneration, death, grief, sexuality, and more. Our call is one that opens up space for all ways of knowing, so that we may forge a regenerative relationship with the planet we call home.

The papers should address some of, but not be limited to, the following questions:

• How can sustainability be enhanced through well-being (generally, and specific to your construct(s))? What are various examples from diverse groups and communities?
• Are there systems that are sustainable without ensuring people’s well-being? How are issues of social justice and equity reconciled?
• Which forms of well-being (physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, sexual, environmental, non-human, multi-dimensional, etc.) enhance sustainability and in which ways? Are there forms of well-being that may go beyond sustainability and promote a regenerative system?
• How are past forms of wisdom informing the intersection between well-being and sustainability? In what ways are traditional methods of knowing ignored or reframed within new frameworks, without acknowledgment?
• What are examples of positive connections between well-being and sustainability? Are there case studies to demonstrate these links?
• What aspects of well-being have been ignored within but are fundamental to sustainability?
• Which aspects of sustainability and well-being go hand in hand? What can we do well to more closely integrate these aspects? What frameworks are needed? Which equitable and justice issues need to be addressed?

• Some examples might include: farming communities during COVID-19, clean energy projects, eco-village or communal living, communities coming together to address a common cause, social innovations, and more.

Dr. Scott Cloutier
Dr. Sara El-Sayed
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• well-being
• sustainability
• regeneration
• social justice/equity